S3:E8 BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS

[Stryker]

[CO's Quarters - Morning of the Wedding]

"Coffeeeeee!"  Ruth moaned in a pretty good imitation of a zombie.  "Thanks Liv.  I was pretty sure once I had people around me I'd start wibbling less because I know I have people I can rely on."

"I'll have coffee and some food first as I'm sure the doctors in the room would advise then that pitcher of nebula is going to be attacked!"  Her good humour returning as she started to relax knowing that she wasn't having to do this all alone she actually started smiling.

"How about a compromise,.." Arya suggested.  "Auntie Judy and Uncle Max... that way you have some respect though you're obviously 'family'? Mr and Mrs Williams, while correct makes you seem old... which, sorry, you might be in age but we know you don't act like grandparents even if we know you are, and somewhat... distant.  Like 'Mr and Mrs Joe Bloggs who might've been at Academy with the groom sometime in the distant past' or 'Jane Doe, who cleaned the jeffries tubes on the first ship Ruth served on...'  I'm exaggerating but you get the idea!"

"You're right about the 'best people', Judy.  I have you two, my crew or at least some very special, trusted members of them.  You know the Briggs, and I think you know ShranLahr ch'Verret too, honestly Lahr is one of my best friends now and he's DJing later too!  Then I've also got this pair of reprobates, but I love them and for all they are Loki's disciples most of the time, I know for a fact that when it comes to important days like today I can rely on them absolutely!  And last but not least I have Sven Aune giving me away!  My viking adopted brother!"  the CO beamed a genuine smile as she was handed a coffee.

"Ahhhh the water of life.  Well that's apparently whisky but I need caffeine right now!  Who wants to see my dress?!  I've kept it secret even from Liv so far!"

She knew the women at least would want to see it so she went to her closet and drew it out.

"I went for proper purple with your dresses, I hope you approve."  Ruth said on a laugh "Not that you have much choice, nor does Sven! He's organizing his Tux, but I said I'd get the vest and tie."

"I'm gonna answer that this way...since Dr. Briggs has ordered me 'no more comms'!!"  she got hold of her commbadge and tapped it twice acknowledging Lahr's answer.  She really wanted to thank him properly but she had more than enough on her plate at the moment. "I can be good, honest!  Just not often!" Ruth teased, relaxing more and more with the coffee, now the nebula and the good company.

"COME IN!!" Ruth called over the general chatter since there was no-one half dressed or anything for all she was still in her pyjamas she was 'decent'.

Seeing Sven standing there with his tuxedo over his arm she laid her dress on the bed and flew to him for a bear hug.

"SVEN!!!" she cried and was quickly joined by the twins also wanting their hugs.

"Did you bring your pup?" Arya asked.  "You won't believe Skye, she's grown fast!"

"We've missed you, you need to visit the Academy, we'll sulk, we're good at sulking!" Katya said with a grin.

"Let the man get in.  Sven, I think  you know everyone.  Max you have another man! You won't feel so outnumbered... Sven is a lot of man!" she said teasingly measuring his chest with her hands.

"Help yourself from that trolley over there, various of us will be disappearing off to use the bathroom which is large enough to change in too so your blushes will be saved...although I vote that girls we do our hair and make up out here!"

30 mins before wedding...
"Right, everyone ready?  I think it's time to move down to the base."  Ruth announced.  They could go as a group.

"Can someone contact Kyle and see if they're ready that end and make sure we aren't going to collide at the airlock or something?!" she asked.

She picked up her bouquet and took a deep breath. "Now or never!" she said with a grin.

CO's quarters

Sven smiled as he was overrun by the girls.

"I know, I know. I should visit the academy, but the Athena hasn't been anywhere near Earth. And I've been promotes to second office so that ship is practically chained to my ankle. No, I didn't bring Eursus. She's back on the ship being taken care of my the flight control officer. I don't think she would like a wedding too much."

He gave the Eastmans a smile and Max a wave. "small world. Huh?"

30 mins before the wedding

Sven has changed into his tuxedo. It was an expensive suit considering that it had to be custom tailored due to his size and bulky body shape. Thick chest, shoulders and arms, thin waist. But he did cut a dashing figure. But Ruth looked absolutely stunning in her dress, as it should be

"You look amazing Captain. I would worry about running into Will. If we do I'll tackle him and force his face into the deck plating so he can't see you before you walk down aisle. Bad luck for the groom to see the bride before her big moment, you know. Or so they say." he said in a joking tone.

[William Waring]

[Will's Quarters - 30 Minutes Prior to the Wedding]

It took Will some time to make himself presentable yet he was. He looked over his suit in the mirror once more and smoothed out a wrinkle on his jacket.

Normally in this circumstance he would wear an obnoxious shirt or load coat but his mind was locked in and he was doing his best not to panic. "It's just nerves. It's just nerve. It's just nerves" is what he had been internally chanting to himself to stop the freak out. He had considered drinking some of the liquid courage but given his history, it perhaps wasn't the best idea so he decided against it. "Ok, you've waited for this. Just get out there and do it" he said quietly before checking his jacket on last time and heading for the exit "I reckon it's about time we make our way out. If the nervous make me pass out I want to be as close to the altar as possible" he said to Kyle with a forced laugh, trying to inject even the smallest bit of humor to make himself relax (not that it was working). He was about to make further humor when his comms buzzed and the voice of the Lahr came through

"ch'Verret to Commander Waring.  This is your wedding day wake up call.  How are things going?"

=A= Morning Mr. ch'Verret. I'm one big bundle of nerves so I'm afraid your wake-up call was one that wouldn't have been much use. One usually has to sleep to wake up. Hah. I do appreciate you checking in, however! Anyways, we are about to make our way out now so the masses need not worry any longer! Oh, and sorry about the delay in getting back to you. Believe it or not, the room was a mess and my commbadge ended up getting buried. =A=

Will used the panel to mute his end but not close the channel should Lahr wish to respond. He looked down at the suit he was wearing again. Perhaps he should've worn the orange and green suit instead...

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[CO's Quarters - 30 Minutes Before Wedding]

Considering the amount of people that had been occupying Ruth's quarters, the preparation to get everyone ready on time, had gone well. The room filled with laughter, chatter and just as importantly love for the Bride as they ate, drank and had a great time, without any stress or interruptions. The purple dresses were gorgeous and a colour that Liv loved, although Ruth's dress was absolutely stunning and Will was in for a right treat, when he got to see her.

Soon time had caught up to them and with getting Elijah ready at the last minute, Liv only had to adjust his purple tie as Ruth then informed them all, that it was time to head to the base. Holding onto her son's hand as she then asked someone to contact Kyle and it was understandable, as Liv then offered to do so.

" We're ready and I'll contact him as we don't want that to happen".

Stepping to one side, Liv tapped her commbadge, which was hidden just under the collar of her dress. Liv to Kyle, how is everything?, are you ready?, as we'll be heading to the base within the next few minutes

[CO's Quarters - 30 Minutes Before Wedding]

"Thanks Liv.  Now was there anything we needed down there.  I don't particularly want to have to drag someone back up here later.  Oh the spare 'throwing' bouquet...this one I'm having preserved.  But there'll be a little one somewhere for me to throw.  Oh no, I remember now, I asked that to be taken directly to the holosuite, and the buttonholes and corsages are there as people go in.  Someone, I don't remember who now, might've been Litt, volunteered to give those out!  Panic over, well that one."  Ruth said mentally checking stuff off in her head.  "Oh commbadge.  Don't worry, it's not going to be for while the ceremony is ongoing but I like to have a method of getting a message to someone, I've lost my commbadge before on an away mission and it was scary so I'm just giving myself less reasons to panic."

She pinned the badge under the 'leaves' on her dress where it couldn't be seen, and gave Liv a wink.  "There, still look the perfect bride!"

[Professor Emeritus Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - CO's quarters - 30 minutes before the wedding]

During that half-hour, Judy and Max spent their time quietly helping out, putting out proverbial brush fires.

Now, it was time to go. Judy slyly put her clutch in the pocket of Max's jacket, and then looked at the younger women with a faux-vicious grin.

"Good luck to all of you with your heels," she teased, tapping on the floor with her own orthopedic shoes. "Something tells me by the time we get there, your feet will hurt more than mine."

"Oooh thanks Judy, and actually that's not a bad idea... my flatties! Where are they?  There's a pair of white shoes, the kind you can roll up and put in your bag for after a night out... exactly for this purpose.  I figured if I was gonna dance the night away I needed my feet to be somewhat less restrained than in 6 inch heels!" 

She took them off and handed them to Arya while Katya found her flat shoes. She hung onto Sven's arm while she balanced on one foot glad that his solid frame helped her stay upright!

"There, I can walk to almost the holosuite in the flats, change to walk down the aisle and have my first dance and Max and I's Father/Daughter dance and then take them off again and rock out!  See this is why I need a Mom around! Thanks Judy!"

CO's quarters

Sven smiled as he was overrun by the girls.

"I know, I know. I should visit the academy, but the Athena hasn't been anywhere near Earth. And I've been promotes to second office so that ship is practically chained to my ankle. No, I didn't bring Eursus. She's back on the ship being taken care of my the flight control officer. I don't think she would like a wedding too much."

He gave the Eastmans a smile and Max a wave. "small world. Huh?"

30 mins before the wedding

Sven has changed into his tuxedo. It was an expensive suit considering that it had to be custom tailored due to his size and bulky body shape. Thick chest, shoulders and arms, thin waist. But he did cut a dashing figure. But Ruth looked absolutely stunning in her dress, as it should be

"You look amazing Captain. I would worry about running into Will. If we do I'll tackle him and force his face into the deck plating so he can't see you before you walk down aisle. Bad luck for the groom to see the bride before her big moment, you know. Or so they say." he said in a joking tone.

"Sven..." she said sternly, "Today and always unless it's business it's Ruth to you!  Thank you... all of you look amazing!  As for Will, just stand between me and him, I'd rather he got to the wedding in one piece and didn't need the Matron of Honour's attentions prior to the wedding.  A hypo to combat a hangover in the morning maybe!  He's not a Viking used to quaffing!"

She became serious and said "And thank you, all of you for doing this for me, in case I don't get a chance to say it again... it means everything to me."

20 mins later...
[Outside the Holosuite - Innominatum]

[Ruth, and co plus new NPC Reverend Roger Wainright - the vicar]

"Now my dear, what you have to wee-member is that mawwidge is vewwy important.  But if you're weddy, I think your intended is down there as we say on Earth 'shitting bwicks'!  I'll pop down, give your muhuwsic guy the heads up, I believe you wanted to walk down to some Viking love song.  See you in a few minutes.  Toodles!" the vicar said giving the hand he'd been patting through his little speech a final pat and disappearing through the doors.

Ruth waited until the door shut fully then let out the giggles that she'd been holding in.

"I hope to hell that Will doesn't get a fit of the giggles because that's going to set me off! Ok shoes!" she said slipping off her comfy slip ons and putting on her heels.

"Anything you want to say to me as a non-married woman... now's your last chance!"

[Stryker]

[CO's Quarters - 30 Minutes Before Wedding]

"Thanks Liv.  Now was there anything we needed down there.  I don't particularly want to have to drag someone back up here later.  Oh the spare 'throwing' bouquet...this one I'm having preserved.  But there'll be a little one somewhere for me to throw.  Oh no, I remember now, I asked that to be taken directly to the holosuite, and the buttonholes and corsages are there as people go in.  Someone, I don't remember who now, might've been Litt, volunteered to give those out!  Panic over, well that one."  Ruth said mentally checking stuff off in her head.  "Oh commbadge.  Don't worry, it's not going to be for while the ceremony is ongoing but I like to have a method of getting a message to someone, I've lost my commbadge before on an away mission and it was scary so I'm just giving myself less reasons to panic."

She pinned the badge under the 'leaves' on her dress where it couldn't be seen, and gave Liv a wink.  "There, still look the perfect bride!"

"Oooh thanks Judy, and actually that's not a bad idea... my flatties! Where are they?  There's a pair of white shoes, the kind you can roll up and put in your bag for after a night out... exactly for this purpose.  I figured if I was gonna dance the night away I needed my feet to be somewhat less restrained than in 6 inch heels!" 

She took them off and handed them to Arya while Katya found her flat shoes. She hung onto Sven's arm while she balanced on one foot glad that his solid frame helped her stay upright!

"There, I can walk to almost the holosuite in the flats, change to walk down the aisle and have my first dance and Max and I's Father/Daughter dance and then take them off again and rock out!  See this is why I need a Mom around! Thanks Judy!"

"Sven..." she said sternly, "Today and always unless it's business it's Ruth to you!  Thank you... all of you look amazing!  As for Will, just stand between me and him, I'd rather he got to the wedding in one piece and didn't need the Matron of Honour's attentions prior to the wedding.  A hypo to combat a hangover in the morning maybe!  He's not a Viking used to quaffing!"

She became serious and said "And thank you, all of you for doing this for me, in case I don't get a chance to say it again... it means everything to me."

20 mins later...
[Outside the Holosuite - Innominatum]

[Ruth, and co plus new NPC Reverend Roger Wainright - the vicar]

"Now my dear, what you have to wee-member is that mawwidge is vewwy important.  But if you're weddy, I think your intended is down there as we say on Earth 'shitting bwicks'!  I'll pop down, give your muhuwsic guy the heads up, I believe you wanted to walk down to some Viking love song.  See you in a few minutes.  Toodles!" the vicar said giving the hand he'd been patting through his little speech a final pat and disappearing through the doors.

Ruth waited until the door shut fully then let out the giggles that she'd been holding in.

"I hope to hell that Will doesn't get a fit of the giggles because that's going to set me off! Ok shoes!" she said slipping off her comfy slip ons and putting on her heels.

"Anything you want to say to me as a non-married woman... now's your last chance!"

"Ya, if Will does anything to hurt you or bring you dishonor, I'm going to show him just how pansy [spoiler]ass[/spoiler] the Klingons really are when it comes to Viking honor. I'll twist him into a pretzel no will know which side is is head and the other is..." he let it hang with a smile offering her his hooked arm.

[Kyle Briggs]

[Will's Quarters - 30 Minutes Prior to the Wedding]

It took Will some time to make himself presentable yet he was. He looked over his suit in the mirror once more and smoothed out a wrinkle on his jacket.

Normally in this circumstance he would wear an obnoxious shirt or load coat but his mind was locked in and he was doing his best not to panic. "It's just nerves. It's just nerve. It's just nerves" is what he had been internally chanting to himself to stop the freak out. He had considered drinking some of the liquid courage but given his history, it perhaps wasn't the best idea so he decided against it. "Ok, you've waited for this. Just get out there and do it" he said quietly before checking his jacket on last time and heading for the exit "I reckon it's about time we make our way out. If the nervous make me pass out I want to be as close to the altar as possible" he said to Kyle with a forced laugh, trying to inject even the smallest bit of humor to make himself relax (not that it was working). He was about to make further humor when his comms buzzed and the voice of the Lahr came through=A= Morning Mr. ch'Verret. I'm one big bundle of nerves so I'm afraid your wake-up call was one that wouldn't have been much use. One usually has to sleep to wake up. Hah. I do appreciate you checking in, however! Anyways, we are about to make our way out now so the masses need not worry any longer! Oh, and sorry about the delay in getting back to you. Believe it or not, the room was a mess and my commbadge ended up getting buried. =A=

Will used the panel to mute his end but not close the channel should Lahr wish to respond. He looked down at the suit he was wearing again. Perhaps he should've worn the orange and green suit instead...

Kyle had been able to get Will calmed down and dressed. "Don't worry, buddy. You're gonna be fine." Kyle offered as Lahr called down to check on Will and the XO replied. Kyle's own comm chirped.

Liv to Kyle, how is everything?, are you ready?, as we'll be heading to the base within the next few minutes

We're all set here, babe. Getting ready to head over ourselves.

He saw the glimmer in Will's eyes as he muted his channel and Kyle closed his. "No." Kyle suddenly said. "I don't know what you're thinking but just no. We need to go." They finally exited the room.

[Inside the Holosuite - Innominatum - 25 minutes later]

Kyle and Will stood at the front of the holosuite as the guests continued filing in.

"Five more minutes, man. Then it's all over." Kyle teased. "I'm joking." he added quickly as he saw the look in Will's eyes. "You see how happy Liv and I are. Would I steer you wrong? Besides, it's been long enough. It's about time Ruth made an honest man out of you. You two were made for each other."

Once again, Kyle couldn't help but feel very happy for two of his oldest friends. He took one more crack at Will to lighten the mood. "So did you guys decide? Is it gonna be Will Sigurdsdottir?" he teased again.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - Grauman's Cafe - Morning of the Wedding]

[Will's Quarters - 30 Minutes Prior to the Wedding]

It took Will some time to make himself presentable yet he was. He looked over his suit in the mirror once more and smoothed out a wrinkle on his jacket.

Normally in this circumstance he would wear an obnoxious shirt or load coat but his mind was locked in and he was doing his best not to panic. "It's just nerves. It's just nerve. It's just nerves" is what he had been internally chanting to himself to stop the freak out. He had considered drinking some of the liquid courage but given his history, it perhaps wasn't the best idea so he decided against it. "Ok, you've waited for this. Just get out there and do it" he said quietly before checking his jacket on last time and heading for the exit "I reckon it's about time we make our way out. If the nervous make me pass out I want to be as close to the altar as possible" he said to Kyle with a forced laugh, trying to inject even the smallest bit of humor to make himself relax (not that it was working).

He was about to make further humor when his comms buzzed and the voice of the Lahr came through=A= Morning Mr. ch'Verret. I'm one big bundle of nerves so I'm afraid your wake-up call was one that wouldn't have been much use. One usually has to sleep to wake up. Hah. I do appreciate you checking in, however! Anyways, we are about to make our way out now so the masses need not worry any longer! Oh, and sorry about the delay in getting back to you. Believe it or not, the room was a mess and my commbadge ended up getting buried. =A=

Will used the panel to mute his end but not close the channel should Lahr wish to respond. He looked down at the suit he was wearing again. Perhaps he should've worn the orange and green suit instead...

Lahr could hear a bit of the nerves the Commander was talking about in the man's voice.

That's not encouraging... but I suppose to be expected.  Anything I can do to help?  I ain't the Captain's favorite 'blue man' for nothing.  You got things needing to get done? I'm your guy."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Innominatum Outpost - Holosuite -  just prior to the wedding]

Given that the first row was designated for immediate family, Lahr chose a seat on the left side right behind the first row.  The Andorian wanted the Captain to know he 100% supported her. 

[William Waring]

[Will's Quarters - 30 Minutes Prior to the Wedding]

Kyle had been able to get Will calmed down and dressed. "Don't worry, buddy. You're gonna be fine." Kyle offered as Lahr called down to check on Will and the XO replied. Kyle's own comm chirped.

We're all set here, babe. Getting ready to head over ourselves.

He saw the glimmer in Will's eyes as he muted his channel and Kyle closed his. "No." Kyle suddenly said. "I don't know what you're thinking but just no. We need to go." They finally exited the room.

[Inside the Holosuite - Innominatum - 25 minutes later]

Kyle and Will stood at the front of the holosuite as the guests continued filing in.

"Five more minutes, man. Then it's all over." Kyle teased. "I'm joking." he added quickly as he saw the look in Will's eyes. "You see how happy Liv and I are. Would I steer you wrong? Besides, it's been long enough. It's about time Ruth made an honest man out of you. You two were made for each other."

Once again, Kyle couldn't help but feel very happy for two of his oldest friends. He took one more crack at Will to lighten the mood. "So did you guys decide? Is it gonna be Will Sigurdsdottir?" he teased again.

[Inside the Holosuite - Innominatum]

"I think I should've worn the other suit. I think it would've fitting me better than this one. I need something vibrant, like my personality!" he joked, finally being able to relax to a degree "Don't even get me started on how you would steer me. If I used you as my compass, I'd be working a garbage barge assigned to some dead sector. It's almost like you forget that we served together. A man gets a few moves around the Fleet and he forgets his past, tsk tsk." he kidded some more while they waited. Some had already begun to file in and the clock was started. "Maybe that neon yellow vest I have. Vibrant flair Kyle! Flair!"

[Olivia Briggs]

[CO's Quarters - 30 Mins Before Wedding]

As Ruth thanked her for getting in touch with Kyle, before asking if they had everything that they needed. The Doctor could understand why she was concerned about not forgetting about or leaving anything behind. Liv was quick to reassure her friend, wanting her to relax, knowing that everything should be in order, as the panic subsided and Ruth took care of her commbadge and shoes, thanks to a comment Judy had made.

Liv had every intention of kicking her heels off later, so she could dance and as Kyle responded to her call, she smiled and responded to him, as Ruth got sorted and thanked them all for being here with her.

Okay Babe, see you soon, loves ya

With the call ended, Liv then prepared to follow the rest of the bridal party out of Ruth's quarters, taking hold of Elijah's hand in the process.

********

[Outside the Holosuite - Innominatum - 20 Minutes Later]

Now that they were here, Liv took a moment to ensure that Elijah was okay, before getting into position as agreed upon, when they had gone through, who would go where, in the procession.

Finding herself taken back to when she had married Kyle and how she had felt, as the Vicar finished speaking with Ruth.

She loved her wedding day and how intimate it had been, not to mention the advice she had been given to just enjoy every moment. So as Sven spoke with Ruth, Liv then added her own comments.

" All I will say, is enjoy every moment of it, that's the advice I was given and now I can pass that onto you".

[Judith Eastman]

[Professor Emeritus Judith Eastman(-Williams) & Max Williams - Holosuite]

Not being part of the bridal party officially, Judy and Max went in slightly before them to take their seats.

"I'm glad you didn't tell Ruth what your mother told you," Max whispered to his beloved.
"About that?" she whispered back. "You know I wouldn't, not with so many kiddos present."
"Yes, that. It was funny in hindsight, but you know that wasn't what we needed to hear in the moment," he replied, still whispering as they took their seats.
"Well, would it be better if I told her about the three rings of marriage - the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and suffering?" Judy whispered back, causing Max to cup both hands over his mouth to disguise a laugh.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

"Ya, if Will does anything to hurt you or bring you dishonor, I'm going to show him just how pansy [spoiler]ass[/spoiler] the Klingons really are when it comes to Viking honor. I'll twist him into a pretzel no will know which side is is head and the other is..." he let it hang with a smile offering her his hooked arm.

[Outside the Holosuite, Innominatum > Impending Doom Altar]

"Thanks Sven,.." Ruth said reaching up to give him a tiny kiss on his cheek.  "I'm grateful to have so many people have my back.  And if he does anything bad, you have my permission to kick his ass!"

[CO's Quarters - 30 Mins Before Wedding]

As Ruth thanked her for getting in touch with Kyle, before asking if they had everything that they needed. The Doctor could understand why she was concerned about not forgetting about or leaving anything behind. Liv was quick to reassure her friend, wanting her to relax, knowing that everything should be in order, as the panic subsided and Ruth took care of her commbadge and shoes, thanks to a comment Judy had made.

Liv had every intention of kicking her heels off later, so she could dance and as Kyle responded to her call, she smiled and responded to him, as Ruth got sorted and thanked them all for being here with her.

Okay Babe, see you soon, loves ya

With the call ended, Liv then prepared to follow the rest of the bridal party out of Ruth's quarters, taking hold of Elijah's hand in the process.

********

[Outside the Holosuite - Innominatum - 20 Minutes Later]

Now that they were here, Liv took a moment to ensure that Elijah was okay, before getting into position as agreed upon, when they had gone through, who would go where, in the procession.

Finding herself taken back to when she had married Kyle and how she had felt, as the Vicar finished speaking with Ruth.

She loved her wedding day and how intimate it had been, not to mention the advice she had been given to just enjoy every moment. So as Sven spoke with Ruth, Liv then added her own comments.

" All I will say, is enjoy every moment of it, that's the advice I was given and now I can pass that onto you".

"Before and after, dear. Right all set?  Then it's 'Once more into the breach dear friends..." she said making the twins laugh.  They'd had to study Shakespeare at school on Earth and always came to Ruth who loved classical Earthen literature to help with their homework.

"Roo... we don't say this often but ...thanks for everything!" Arya said.

"Yeah, you're a sister in a million, and we love you.  We hope our 'thing' will go some way to saying that more eloquently when we don't care if your make up runs!" Katya said with a grin.

They filed in behind Sven and Ruth and the ushers opened the doors.  The words to "Þú átt hjarta mitt að eilífu" (You Forever Have My Heart) started playing, and Ruth stepped in.

[OOC: I have permission to move Sven as needed]

She bent down slightly and told Elijah to walk to Daddy and Uncle Will, which he did perfectly with the ring pillow.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Innominatum Outpost - Grauman's Cafe - Morning of the Wedding]

Lahr could hear a bit of the nerves the Commander was talking about in the man's voice.

That's not encouraging... but I suppose to be expected.  Anything I can do to help?  I ain't the Captain's favorite 'blue man' for nothing.  You got things needing to get done? I'm your guy."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Innominatum Outpost - Holosuite -  just prior to the wedding]

Given that the first row was designated for immediate family, Lahr chose a seat on the left side right behind the first row.  The Andorian wanted the Captain to know he 100% supported her.

Ruth walked down the aisle and gave smiles and nods to several people, noting 4 people, one a Nausicaan, sitting on her side that she didn't know at all.  She mentally shrugged thinking they must be some people from the base and she just hadn't paid them much mind.  She gave them a brief nod to include them.

Her face lit up when she saw Judy and Max sharing some joke and then Lahr, her favourite Andorian, sat just behind the first row.

'You could have sat on the front row' she mouthed to him and gave him a little wave.  Her primary Bridge crew all were like family to her, and Lahr had proved more than once that he was totally loyal to her, not just that but she could count on him as a friend.

[A little while later....]

The ceremony went well, rings and vows exchanged, and 'I do's' said... now it was official, she was Mrs. Waring, but still very much in her mind Ruth Sigurdsdottir, Viking shieldmaiden, but Will's wife in her heart.

"And so I suppose now you might want me want me make it all wite for you to kiss the bwide?!" intoned the vicar.  He sighed heavily.  "I now pwonownce you man and wife, you may kiss the bwide now Mr. Siguwurdsdottir, Siggwotsitieer er.. erm Warwing, erm... what are you going to be calling yourselves.  It's for the wedigster of mawwidge." he asked.

Ruth was still trying to stifle her giggles at the vicars pronunciation and accent.  Taking a deep breath she managed to smile and answer in one breath. "On the wedding certificate, Mr and Mrs Waring.  For professional purposes we'll stick to my maiden name of Sigurdsdottir and Waring, our children will be Waring when that happens."

She smiled at her husband.  "So, sealed with a kiss?!" she asked offering up her lips.

[Nathan Ryder]

[Reyes' Quarters - Morning of the Wedding]

"The gift! Did we not get a gift?!"

Before she gave him the chance to respond, she clicked her tongue and searched her vanity for an envelope. "Okay. Here's what we do. We go down to the gift check in. Find the biggest gift. That's very important. I'll distract the attendant with my legs. You know how nice my legs are. Then-" She showed him the double adhesive of the envelope and stuck it on the mirror. "-bam! Switch envelopes. Then you slip the other envelope in my dress and I'll properly incinerate it. It's foolproof and absolutely something I have never done before."

Catching one flailing arm with an amused chuckle, Nathan shook his head. "Calm down, Kal. I told you I had the gift under control. It's in my office, and if you're almost ready to leave then we still have plenty of time to pick it up before heading to the Holosuite." He spent the next couple of minutes talking her down from her grand scheme and ensuring she was ready to leave before leading her out to fetch said gift before making sure they both made it to the wedding on time.

[Innominatum - Holosuite - Seating before the Ceremony]

As they entered the room, the first thing Nathan did was guide Kali to put their gift away before looking to find their seats. One hand rested on Kali's where it was tucked into the crook of his other arm, a mild attempt to keep her from tampering with the gifts, but he was certainly not holding her hostage if she chose to pull away. "We've got to be seated before the ceremony starts, but is there anyone you wanted to mingle with before we do?" he asked softly as he looked at the woman by his side.

[Innominatum - Holosuite - During the Ceremony]

Nathan would be lying if he said watching their Captain get married did not bring to mind thoughts of a wedding of his own. He and Kali had never talked about the possibility. Not seriously. Hell, they had not even had a serious conversation as to what they were to each other. They just sort of... fell into step next to each other and never stepped away. Not that he minded, of course. Sometimes it was easier to handle such things on an instinctual level than it was to actually stop and talk it out.

Feeling a surge of affection for the woman at his side, he lifted Kali's hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. Nathan gave her a soft smile before turning his attention back to the vows as they were spoken. The ceremony had been lovely so far, and he was genuinely happy for the couple at the altar. They seemed very much in love, and he was glad to be able to share this moment with them.

[Kali Reyes]

[Reyes' Quarters - Morning of the Wedding]

Catching one flailing arm with an amused chuckle, Nathan shook his head. "Calm down, Kal. I told you I had the gift under control. It's in my office, and if you're almost ready to leave then we still have plenty of time to pick it up before heading to the Holosuite." He spent the next couple of minutes talking her down from her grand scheme and ensuring she was ready to leave before leading her out to fetch said gift before making sure they both made it to the wedding on time.

[Innominatum - Holosuite - Seating before the Ceremony]

As they entered the room, the first thing Nathan did was guide Kali to put their gift away before looking to find their seats. One hand rested on Kali's where it was tucked into the crook of his other arm, a mild attempt to keep her from tampering with the gifts, but he was certainly not holding her hostage if she chose to pull away. "We've got to be seated before the ceremony starts, but is there anyone you wanted to mingle with before we do?" he asked softly as he looked at the woman by his side.

[Innominatum - Holosuite - During the Ceremony]

Nathan would be lying if he said watching their Captain get married did not bring to mind thoughts of a wedding of his own. He and Kali had never talked about the possibility. Not seriously. Hell, they had not even had a serious conversation as to what they were to each other. They just sort of... fell into step next to each other and never stepped away. Not that he minded, of course. Sometimes it was easier to handle such things on an instinctual level than it was to actually stop and talk it out.

Feeling a surge of affection for the woman at his side, he lifted Kali's hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. Nathan gave her a soft smile before turning his attention back to the vows as they were spoken. The ceremony had been lovely so far, and he was genuinely happy for the couple at the altar. They seemed very much in love, and he was glad to be able to share this moment with them.

[Innominatum - Holosuite - Seating before the Ceremony]

The gift was small and easily fit on the palm of her hand now that she remembered what it was. As a dual citizen of Risa, it was customary to present a Risian sea lily preserved in native resin for more... monogamous weddings. Something about eternal bonds and such. It was more common trade sea shells so everyone who came with a partner left with a different one for the honeymoon, but Ryder gently put the ax to that idea.

As they set down the gift, she noticed a rather bulky gift and pointed at it. Ryder steered her away from it quickly before she actually tried to pull anything on the attendant to score an expensive gift.

"I don't know them. Look at all them brass pips," Kali replied. "You have a lot more in common with them than I do."

[Innominatum - Holosuite - During the Ceremony]

Most of the weddings Kali was invited to were sordid, Vegas-styled affairs. Skimpy bridesmaids outfits, scandals in the closet, outrageous proposals in the middle of reception, and her favorite - the Maid of Honor announcing her pregnancy so she could demand child support from the groom. She wasn't superstitious that something salacious might happen at the altar, but maybe she was a little stitious.

She had sat for a good minute trying to work out whether the vicar was having a stroke reciting the marriage vows. But when she glimpsed at Ryder wondering if he was thinking the same thing, she found that he looked a little lost in his thoughts. Weddings did weird things to people. Some cry. Some were socially anxious.

Kali looked back at the altar where their Captain exchanged vows with her new husband, unsure how she really felt about it. She stopped dreaming of weddings when Grey turned down her proposal when she was seven. Then she stopped believing in love entirely when Mahak transferred off the Discovery and she never saw him again.

Her careful blank expression shifted when Ryder lifted her hand and kissed it in such an achingly romantic gesture she almost looked around to see if he had just done it on accident or if he just kissed the wrong hand. The affection hit her harder than warp speed with the inertial dampeners out of commission. Even when he looked away to pay attention to the altar Kali could only continue to gape at him. Error. Error.

And with her mind trying to reboot, her body simply leaned against Ryder's side, subconsciously reciprocating the gesture as she squeezed his hand.

[William Waring]

[A little while later....]

The ceremony went well, rings and vows exchanged, and 'I do's' said... now it was official, she was Mrs. Waring, but still very much in her mind Ruth Sigurdsdottir, Viking shieldmaiden, but Will's wife in her heart.

"And so I suppose now you might want me want me make it all wite for you to kiss the bwide?!" intoned the vicar.  He sighed heavily.  "I now pwonownce you man and wife, you may kiss the bwide now Mr. Siguwurdsdottir, Siggwotsitieer er.. erm Warwing, erm... what are you going to be calling yourselves.  It's for the wedigster of mawwidge." he asked.

Ruth was still trying to stifle her giggles at the vicars pronunciation and accent.  Taking a deep breath she managed to smile and answer in one breath. "On the wedding certificate, Mr and Mrs Waring.  For professional purposes we'll stick to my maiden name of Sigurdsdottir and Waring, our children will be Waring when that happens."

She smiled at her husband.  "So, sealed with a kiss?!" she asked offering up her lips.

[The Ceremony]

Once it had actually begun, the nerves melted away and he found himself completely in the moment. It was like a surreal experience as he didn't feel anxious, or nervous, or anything. Just... contentment, just contentment. For the entire ceremony, it was like he had made peace with all of his demons. It had happened and for once he wasn't dreaming. He wasn't dreaming!

He was brought out of his mini-trance by the vicar who he swore was having some sort of episode as he listened to him talk. He gave Ruth a raised eyebrow and a stifled laugh when he asked for their name "Waring, as she said. It will save you the ink" he said jokingly as Ruth mentioned the naming scheme they planned to adopt going forward for both professional and... uh... personal settings.

"As if it was a question!" he said with a smile before moving in and releasing all that built-up emotion into a singular moment. He swore time slowed as he did so. Almost like these few moments would last for hours.

[Olivia Briggs]

[ A Little While Later - Innominatum, Holosuite]

One minute, she was walking down the aisle behind the beautiful bride, beaming with pride and happiness at not only seeing her son, walk towards his Daddy and Uncle Will, looking so grown up, but also being a part of the procession, before catching Kyle's eye as she took her place as Matron of Honour. Then it was getting to witness what happened next, in what was a truly love filled and meaningful ceremony, emotions almost getting the better of her as, her two friends became man and wife.

Even the interesting approach from the Vicar, did little to deter her from focusing on the vows and everything that came with it, before the couple shared a joke and leaned in for that special just married kiss. There was no feeling like it and again, Liv couldn't help but look over at her husband, smiling at him and looked forward to speaking to him properly.

For now, she helped Elijah, who wanted to sit on his Mum's lap, clearly intrigued by everything that was happening around him, proud of how well behaved he had been, the entire way through. Holding onto him, whilst reassuring him that it would be time to play soon, which seemed to placate him for the moment.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[The Ceremony]

Once it had actually begun, the nerves melted away and he found himself completely in the moment. It was like a surreal experience as he didn't feel anxious, or nervous, or anything. Just... contentment, just contentment. For the entire ceremony, it was like he had made peace with all of his demons. It had happened and for once he wasn't dreaming. He wasn't dreaming!

He was brought out of his mini-trance by the vicar who he swore was having some sort of episode as he listened to him talk. He gave Ruth a raised eyebrow and a stifled laugh when he asked for their name "Waring, as she said. It will save you the ink" he said jokingly as Ruth mentioned the naming scheme they planned to adopt going forward for both professional and... uh... personal settings.

"As if it was a question!" he said with a smile before moving in and releasing all that built-up emotion into a singular moment. He swore time slowed as he did so. Almost like these few moments would last for hours.

[Holosuite - Innominatum]

Ruth gave herself up to the kiss that seemed to last way longer than she had imagined her first kiss as a wife would.  Wife...oh by Loki, that's what she was now! she thought to herself.

Grinning at Will she let out a genuine guffaw of laughter at Will when he mentioned the saving of ink.  "Watch it you, I could have demanded Sigurdsdottir-Waring on everything.  I might still demand it for our children... like a sort of clause that Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Philip of England had that any royals that didn't have other titles got called Mountbatten which was Philip's adopted name... I'm sketchy on the details now, I'll have to brush up on my Terran history, but now... "

She turned to the congregation of smiling faces, and announced.  "If you'd like to follow us we'll adjourn to the other side of the Holosuite where DJ Lahr will be our host for the rest of the proceedings doubling between DJ and MC... before long I'll give him the entire alphabet!!"

She took Will's arm and walked off with him "Sooner I can get these heels off the better.  Judy was right I've had them on about 30 mins and already my feet are killing me!"

[Other part of the Holosuite - Party area 30 minutes later]

[NPCs Guuthash - Nausicaan, Marvial and Rosa - Angosians, Olga-Frid Thorsdottir - Human working for the Angosians, Arya and Katya Sigurdsdottir]

Drinks were circulating freely, and Katya went to the bar to snag a couple of glasses of Schnapps for her and Arya.

She almost fell over a Nausicaan, and what she thought were 3 humans, they were the 4 that she wasn't sure who they were.

"Oh sorry, say, I saw you when I came down behind Ruth.  I feel sure I should know you, I think we saw you in Customs too, we must have arrived about the same time.  What you drinking?!" she asked.

"Olga-Frid Thorsdottir, I knew your sister from a long way back.  We are escorting these good people, Guuthash here is the muscle... most people don't argue with Nausicaans, and Marvial and Rosa here are Angosians forming trade deals across the quadrant.  When we found out Ruth was getting married, I asked if we could pop in and our request was granted.  You know how generous Ruth is!" Olga-Frid lied glibly.

"Ha, yeah she is.  I thought you looked Scandinavian.  She's even arranged the tables so that while there is a 'top table' for the family there are just random tables scattered around the sides of the dancefloor and she encouraged us to mingle.  Hence the buffet idea too." Arya said coming up behind.

"Why don't you join us at our table for a bit?" Rosa asked.  Guuthash grunted and grinned at them, it was a scary sight but the twins were used to people from many races so barely flinched.

"OK, it'll be good to get to know you a little." Katya agreed.

2 hours later...
Food eaten, Ruth and Will had done the cake cutting and it was time for the entertainment to begin.  Ruth gave a nod to Lahr that she was ready for the first dance and that he could announce it..