Going to the Temple

 Episode Name:  Going to the Temple

   Written By:  Kismet

         Cast:  Bela, Casya, Cross, Dirha, Donavon, Edwards, 
                Fischer, Foster, Gwen Poole, Kismet, Moody, 
                Shamash, Takamura, Turtledove and Valentine.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Kismet

     Aired On:  Sat Jul 03 19:58:32 2004

     Stardate:  54212.7

Time: Sat Jul 03 17:42:14 2004

Stardate: 54212.5

Long awaited this day has been for a couple who is about to unite in matrimony. The temple has been beautifully arranged to the bride's pleasure. For a change of pace, the usually-austere and spartan Temple has been transformed into a warm and festive wedding chapel, bedecked with flowers and greenery sufficient to make one wonder if they've mistakenly stepped into the Counseling office--or Lieutenant Gellan's quarters. The eight large duranium pillars running along the sides of the room are festooned with long, floral garlands, wrapped in lazy spirals around the broad columns. Large bouquets of red roses and vivid aquamarine flowers are placed at the ends of each row of seating, and scattered rose petals litter the aisle leading up to the altar and pulpit, both also bedecked with elaborate floral arrangements. A tall arch has been erected before the altar, the structure hidden behind so many flowers and greenery that it's impossible to tell what kind of material holds the structure up. The stage is set as one and all wait for the ceremony to begin with the bride Casya's arrival.

The day and the moment has finally arrived. Since that day that he proposed, Cross has felt the days slip by until they finally reach this moment. He stands before the alter, finally stop tugging at the uniform. His dress uniform is perfect, the moment is perfect. It is simply time. He clasps his hands behind him as he awaits her arrival. He looks momentarily towards Dirha before looking towards the door, waiting for the music to start and for her to arrive.

Dirha smiles at Cross, rather comfortingly. Kid or not, the Prylar has a soothing smile. He looks around the altar in a slightly fuddled way, hesitating for a moment. But he finds the little trigger to start the recorded music, and presses it. Pushing buttons is fun. The fact that there's a crowd watching him seems to make no difference. He really ought to have combed his hair more carefully for this.

Valentine glances in the direction of the mall as the groomsmen exit, and uncrosses her dress-uniformed legs to sit forward in anticipation of rising. From her viewpoint- a good third back in the rows of seating- it's not easy to watch for the bridal party, and her eyes keep flickering toward the rest of the crowd for the cue.

Blonde, Brunette, Redhead. That's the trio that's sitting in the back, near one of the exit. First, Kaitlyn Lanie(-Foster), on the aisle itself, dressed in her Starfleet dress uniform. The fingers of her right hand are twined with the fingers of the left hand of the person sitting beside her, her husband, Caleb Foster. He too is wearing his dress uniform, up to and including the Federation Medal of Valor around his neck. The two of them are involved in a quiet conversation with the third, Foster's partner, Meg Donavon, though it seems that Kaitlyn is a lot more quiet than she usually is, for reasons that may or may not be known. Likewise, it seems that while she is much enjoying the decorations of this usually austere place, there is one place that she is avoiding looking at at all, and that is the altar area itself. She has not looked there yet, despite having been here for a while.

Donavon 's trying as much as possible not to attract attention despite the brilliance of her white dress uniform against her flaming red hair which is spun into a tight bun. It's difficult not to notice that combination with a mere glance, yet she continually ducks her head towards her partner, Foster, and his wife, Lanie, in order to exchange a series of whispers. Donavon whispers to Foster, "I knew we understood each other. I've been nervous and worried over the very same thought. But here we are."

Fischer waits with the others. She lightly smooths out her dress uniform. She has a bit of tissue in her hand in preperation for the tears when the come. She looks to the empty seat next to her where Andral shood be and sighs.

Turtledove is sitting near the front, politely attired in Starfleet dress uniform. She watches quietly from her seat,keeping an interested eye on the gathered proceedings.

From speakers somewhere in the room, A loud organ start to pipe out, before the normal lyrics of the wedding march starts to sound out across the room.

Takamura enters the temple from the mall.

Takamura has arrived.

Gwen Poole enters the temple from the mall.

Gwen Poole has arrived.

The honor of entering first on this day falls to Poole and Takamura. Arm in arm, they walk through the doors into the temple and along the prescribed route. Gwen's in aquamarine which complements her pale skin quite nicely. In her free hand is a bouquet of lovely flowers and on her face is a wide smile. Today is a happy day, after all.

Walking tall and proudly, Takamura's gait is as formal as his attire. Hiroshi wears his full dress whites with his topknot precisely fixed atop his head. His steps are so measured that the medals on his chest make no sound at all. Smiling, the large Japanese man escorts the relatively tiny Gwen Poole by the arm, leading her to the front of the temple. As he passes by Valentine, he offers her a wink.

Donavon's features soften, becoming far more friendly when gazing upon the two who just entered. If there's a moment to catch their eyes, she'd have smiled a little, but as is she merely watches from her spot. Donavon whispers to Foster, "By the wink Tak gave, would you say that's only between *just* friends?" Cue a sly mischievous grin and eye twinkle from Donavon when she speaks with Foster and Lanie.

Ah, there's the cue- the music, that is. Tara Valentine turns to face the back of the temple, and she can't quite resist a quietly proud smile at her escort's fantastic appearance. And then she even blushes at the wink, starting to be caught up in the joyous mood of the ceremony.

For a moment, Lanie smiles with girlish glee at the appearance of her once-boss, Gwen Poole. But what might be the reason for the crimson hue that is winding its way up her cheeks for the man she is coming in with? Who knows?

Foster stretches himself upwards, away from his conversation with Donavon. The way he's craning his head around makes it clear just who he's watching. Or who he's watching for, at least. He murmurs quietly to Donavon in response. Foster whispers to Donavon, "Meg, Tara Valentine lives in 918. We *know* better."

Dirha grins at the procession with bright joy. He seems quite delighted. How pretty.

Cross takes in a breath as Gwen and Tak walk down the aisle towards him. A smile breaks across his face as he watches. He stands a little more straighter as waits.

Shamash enters the temple from the mall.

Shamash has arrived.

Shamash, clad in his dress whites, the boutonniere firmly attached to the uniform, enters the temple several steps behind Takamura and escort. His face has a slightly concentrated expression to it, and every so often he tests the contents of a pocket with his free left arm, for his right is occupied. As he proceeds through the aisle, Shamashs attention briefly derivates to scan a corner of the temple where he seeks out someone and graces her with a quick smile before looking ahead again.

Moody enters the temple from the mall.

Moody has arrived.

Foster continues to watch the entrance, it seems, flashing a quick grin at the arriving scientist, but still watching the entrance that people are coming through. Lanie, for her part, remains silent. Does she look troubled? Ill-at-ease, perhaps? For certain, there is a look on her face that is not one that most have ever seen.

Takamura releases Gwen's arm once they have arrived at the altar. He then splits off to stand near Cross, turning to watch the rest of the procession.

Donavon tries to contain herself but the difficulty is expressed by the rising tide of red which washes across her face. Foster and Lanie are both shot *a look* for their responses before the embarrassed Donavon lowers her head to breathe slowly and cool. Donavon whispers to Foster, "I *was* asking for that wasn't I?" Eyes take a moment to scant over to the aisle, measuring up Shamash the Best Man before daring to look back at the couple. Donavon whispers to Foster, "You two are going to get me into trouble. I *know* it. Just *know* it." She grins happily, amused at their talking, before concern drives her hand out to clasp Lanie's. A silent gesture of support.

Valentine unconsciously nods with approval at Shamash's perfect entrance, starting to grin a bit. Can't be long now until the true star of the show makes her appearance.

. o O Donavon grows more concerned over her friend Lanie's well-being. Shaken in fact.

Nope, not the bride, just the Chief. Not wishing to cause diversion at whatever ceremonies might be in place, Moody takes a seat in the far back rows, compulsively going over every detail of his dress uniform in order to assure it's prim appearance.

Cross nods his head towards Shamash as he arrives to join those who are standing up front. He takes a cursory glance to everyone, but it is only for a second as his eyes look towards the door.

Poole moves to stand opposite and slightly down from Cross, so she can stand in the bride's party once Casya arrives. She focusses on not falling onto her rear end, smiling... oh and watching for the Bride's entrance.

Shamash makes his way to the end of the aisle to come to a halt next to Cross. Another quick check on aformentioned pocket. Slight paranoia?

Throughout the temple, the sound of the organ continues to play. Then there is a change in the sound and the preamble finishes. The true march begins echos into the room.

Edwards enters the temple from the mall.

Edwards has arrived.

Casya enters the temple from the mall.

Casya has arrived.

Casya enters the Temple on the arm of Michael Edwards, a radiant vision all in white.

Edwards enters, as indicated with a certain green lady, and pauses while he assesses those gathered.

At the alter, Micheal Cross is standing there as Casya arrives. As he looks upon her in her gown, A happy smile breaks across his face. The last of the nervousness fading away. Everyone else in the room is forgotten, including the gibbering in the back.

Standing time. Tara rises gracefully at the change of tune, by now quite unable to avoid smiling broadly. But even she gasps at the lovely vision that enters on Edwards' arm. "Holy cow..." It's doubtful the murmur carries more than a meter.

Dirha beams as the crown jewel of the procession arrives. He's also at the altar, standing a little further back than Cross. His smile is bright and happy. It's a parade of love, what could please the boy-priest more?

Here comes the bride!
Animalistic. Catlike. Sexy. Green. All of these are words that have been used to describe Casya. A young woman in her very early 20s, her lithe, sinewy, and decidedly voluptuous body shows every indication of being fully developed, her every move instilled with a sensual grace. Ebony hair that contrasts darkly against the deep emerald of her skin has been swept up in an elaborate up-do, crowned with a sparkling silver bridal tiara. Light brown, almost amber eyes gaze out from a smooth, oval face with a flawless complexion, a pert nose, and full, sensuous lips which hide a set of dazzling white teeth, all faintly obscured by the filmy white veil fastened to the tiara in her hair.
Casya is attired in a stunning white dress--a Jiasha original!--inset with delicate ivory embroidery. It is empire waisted, with a slight gather in the layers of iridescent, milky silks, with an embroidered and ribbon criss-crossed Georgian sleeve. The sleeve is long, even modest, probably to make up for the rather revealing neckline. The skirt is long and softly flowing, cut on the bias; it puddles to the ground with elegance and distinction, while still finding a bit of whimsy to suit Casya's personality. None of the fabrics are heavy or stiff, all of them spun of snowy air. Upon her feet are a pair of satiny white heels, with a slightly lower heel than she customarily wears.
In her hands, she carries a large floral bouquet, composed of softly scented red and white roses intermixed with brilliantly hued, aquamarine flowers, vivid greenery, and sprays of glitter-encrusted white baby's breath.
Upon her left wrist, Casya wears a simple C-shaped bracelet, pure silver inlaid with with marbled green and white stones. Across the underside of the wrist, a thin silver chain attaches one side of the 'C' to the other, securing the bracelet on her wrist with a simple clasp. Upon the third finger of her left hand, a brilliantly glittering diamond gleams from it's setting upon a shining band of gold, the ring gleaming brightly against the emerald flesh of her hand.
It's beginning to be difficult to miss the obvious signs of Casya's pregnancy as she enters the early stages of the second trimester. Her bosom, while always ample, seems to fill out her tops even more fully now, and the growing bulge in her lower abdomen seems to grow more pronounced almost daily as her infant twins develop within.

Foster immediately conjures up his most innocent-looking face. It's not a good one, because the impish glee shows through in his eyes and the twitching of his face as he tries to prevent himself from smiling. Foster whispers to Donavon, "What? Just because we've had to bang on the walls a couple of times every night to get them to be quiet?" When Meg reaches over to clasp her hand, Lanie puts on her best effort to smile as sunnily as she possibly can. This is probably helped by the appearance of the bride, which causes a legitimate smile to broaden across her face. As Foster and Lanie rise, she blinks and looks down and around. Shifting her hold on Foster's arm, she lifts one foot up, and frowns. Oh dear! Is there a scuff mark on one of her dress uniform's shoes? She'll need to check once they have the chance to sit down.

Donavon offers another squeeze to Lanie's hand and a tight smile with a fiery look for Foster. Donavon whispers to Foster, "That is one thing I didn't need to know." She winks before rising to her feet as courtsey demands. A pivot draws her more fully facing the bride and escort. Donavon whispers to Foster, "Beautiful bride."

Finally dawning on his white kid gloves, Chief Moody stands as the procession draws it's point from where he is at in the back row. He places one hand behind his back, and another on the pew, his eyes casually following the train.

Takamura smiles broadly as Casya walks down the aisle. He takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

Poole smiles down the way at Casya, watching her and Edwards' approach intently. No sign of any former slave owners yet, so its all good.

. o O Valentine thinks "Damn. Shoulda gotten to know /that/ girl better before Cross latched onto her."

. o O Donavon thinks "Why doesn't this feel right? Shouldn't I be swept up with romantic thoughts? Reflecting upon my own wedding?"

Edwards leads Casya down the aisle, on that long march to her certain fate. There's no turning back now, fortunately or unfortunately. Once they make it to the end of the aisle, he presents Casya.

. o O Foster thinks "Poor Casya. She really /is/ too blinded by love to see what she's getting herself into. Or whatever it is. It might not even be that. Might be that she just thinks it is, considering the way she was brought up."

Even through the filmy white veil attached to the glistening silver tiara tucked into her upswept ebony hair, the emerald-skinned beauty's smile is dazzling as she steps slowly down the aisle, her amber gaze fixed upon the face of her husband to be, awaiting her directly ahead. Today, Casya has eyes for no one and nothing else. The delicate, airy layers of her full skirt swirl around her legs with each stately step she takes, puddling behind her in a short train. In her hands she carries a large bouquet of softly-scented flowers. All in all, a lovely vision of a bride. Finally, she looks up to Edwards with a soft smile, squeezing his hand and reaching up to kiss his cheek (through her veil, of course), before taking her place at Cross's side.

As Edwards arrives with Casya, Cross' smile has not faulted. His hand is out and ready to takes hers in his as she joins him at the alter. He looks at her through the veil, sharing a warm loving smile for her before slowly turning towards Dirha.

Dirha nods and smiles at Casya and Edwards as they arrive at the altar, then looks around the temple, calling for silence by lifting his hands and smiling into the eyes of those present. His voice is clear and carries well when he speaks, "Beloved ones, friends, members of our community. We're assembled here to celebrate and witness the love Casya," he smiles and nods to her, "And Michael Cross," now to him, "Share for one another. Courage is love's daughter, and today they show their courage. They're ready to make brave promises, in front of everyone. They are ready to grow into something more than they have been, and accept the joys and responsibilities of marriage. The bonds of love we're celebrating today are the mortar of community, they make us strong as a people and enable us to support our children and allow /them/ to grow strong and full of love." He grins brilliantly at the room. "This is an important moment. As Casya and Michael make their brave vows, each of us here should also find a promise in his or her heart to support them, and to help them in every way we can, that their love will stay strong and beautiful and allow them to be a source of beauty and strength for the entire community." There's a long pause and the boy-priest smiles his sweet serene smile. Then he looks warmly into Cross's brown eyes, "Michael, do you take Casya as your wife?"

The corner of Donavon's mouth ticks strangely before she slightly squirms to reaffirm her stiff stance. Instead of eyes being on the ceremony, they are directed to those witnessing and most particular with side glances to Lanie. That is when worry reflects on her facial features.

Valentine swallows a little as she turns to face the front of the temple. Those are /not/ tears in her eyes. This is proven by the way she very carefully wipes them away. Right.

As the ceremony proper begins, the sick look returns to Kaitlyn Lanie's face. She lifts her fingers from her husband's hand after squeezing it one more time. Then she makes use of all the attention being on the bride and groom to exit the Temple. She only has one last, sad, smile for Casya, one she'll certainly not see unless she's got eyes in the back of her, uh, gown.

Shamash continues to stand at his appointed place, attention now changing from Casya back to Dirha. He is the man who will provide him with the cue line to part with his heavy burden.

Cross turns to look back towards Casya as the Prylar asks his question to her. "I do." He says, breaking the serene happy smile long enough to give his answer, his hand squeezes hers gently.

Edwards silently makes his way to his seat while the bride and groom do their thing.

Dirha beams at Cross, then turns to look into Casya's radiant face. He asks, "Casya, do you take Michael Cross to be your husband?"

Takamura turns back towards the center to watch Casya, Cross and Dirha. At this point, he's just window dressing for the ceremony. He smiles softly as the priest begins the vows, his eyes occassionaly glancing about the room.

. o O Valentine thinks "Oh no. Can't cry. Outdated social custom based on women being property. Totally barbaric. Oh hell."

Foster, for his part, has gone completely to an 'at attention' state, for all that he can in his current position. Discipline, discipline. The pilot shows he's capable of it when it's necessary, by not letting the fact that he can't go with his wife change the expression on his face at all.

Casya gives a bit of a start as she hears her name being spoken--she was rather occupied with making doe-eyes at her beloved husband-to-be, whom she hasn't seen in over a /day/! Smiling warmly, she nods to the priest, and looks back into Michael's eyes. "I do." she answers simply.

Donavon cannot miss the departure of Lanie. Softly, low enough not to interrupt Dirha, she asks a question of Foster. Donavon whispers to Foster, "Shall we follow her after the ceremony?" Unlike Foster, she has definitely shot worried glances to the exit before hastening to affix herself with a similiar professional face.

Valentine doesn't notice the exiting, her rapt attention on the happy couple. She ducks her gaze a bit, and makes use of her pristine sleeve as a mop on her face.

Dirha grins at Casya's distraction, and the source of it, as well as her answer. He says, "Then you each have rings to exchange, unbroken circles as a symbol of your unbroken love and the eternity of family. You also have vows to make before each other and this congregation. Please do so now."

. o O Donavon thinks "She wouldn't be feeling like that if he didn't..."

. o O Foster thinks "I'll never forgive you for repeatedly hurting Kaitlyn, Michael Cross. And if you hurt Casya, it'll be all the worse."

. o O Donavon calmly releases the tight grip to her bitterness, settling to a unreadable feeling.

Foster's response to Donavon is as quiet as hers. Foster whispers to Donavon, "I'll go. At least one of us should stay, to represent the team."

Donavon swallows hard. For a moment there was a bitter flash of anger in her eyes, the clenching of her hands into fists, the taunt line to her lips which scowled. All is released as if on command and softer eyes smile down to Foster. Donavon whispers to Foster, "Take care of Lanie. Send my love. If you both wish, I'll stop by later?"

Listening to Dirha's words, Cross slowly turns away from the visage of beauty that is his wife-to-be to turn towards Shamash and for the important item that he carries.

<PROVE> Donavon has the merit of Quick-draw at 2.

Shamash fishes in his pocket for something. Then nods after he has a firm hold on the small object he has there and retrieves it to hold be able to part with the ring when prompted to do so. An uneasy glance over to Dirha. Was that the cue already? Well, here it goes and Shamash presents the small band for Cross to take.

Poole, for her part, moves up to to Casya and holds out her hands for the woman's bouquet. She gives the Orion a wink and offers in exchange a wedding band.

Valentine manages to get herself a bit more under control, and looks up to observe the ceremony some more, blissfully ignorant of odd whisperings in the back of the temple.

Casya turns toward her bridesmaids, the faintest hint of a frown tugging at her lips when she finds the place where Bela should stand to be empty. Fortunately, she had a backup plan. She smiles to Gwen as she hands over her bouquet and reaches out to retrieve the ring which is in the bridesmaid's possession.

Cross takes the gold ring his hand, nodding his head towards Agrim in silent thanks. He turns back towards Casya and smiles towards her as he finds her eyes again. He reaches across the distances to take up her left hand, the ring ready to be slide on. "Casya, that night that I first met you in the Mall, I did not know that the universe had created someone so beautiful and kind for me. You have given me Love when I needed Love. You have given me Hope when I felt it slipping. You gave me strength and a reason to become a better man; A man that I had never thought I was capable of becoming. You have given me so much and you still give me more each day. As I stand here with you and before these people who have come to bless this union, I promise to you all of me. You have my love and my unending devotion. You have my shoulders to carry any problem that shall fall your way and you have arms to hold you in. Whatever tomorrow brings, I will be here to make sure that it is bright and beautiful for you. On this day, I give you my word that I shall be forever yours until the day I die. I am yours eternally."
With the end of his words, Michael slips a golden ring onto the third finger of her left hand. The band is slim and small, engraved on the outside with a flowing pattern of five-pointed stars and pairs of stylized letter 'C's, twined together to represent the union of Casya and Cross. Along the inside edge are the words, "I love you." and the stardate: 54212.5. He looks back up to her when it is done.

Casya's eyes glimmer with emotion as that cool metal band slips along her finger to nestle against the engagement ring which already resided there. Smiling, she clears her throat lightly as she takes Cross's hand gently in hers, looking earnestly up into his brown eyes, love reflected in the depths of her amber gaze. "Michael, before I met you, I really didn't know what love was. It was something that I'd heard about... but had never truly experienced. You have shown me how incomplete my life was... and in showing me, you have provided the missing part. With you in my life, Michael, I am complete; I am whole; and I am happy. Whatever happens, I know that as long as you are in my life, we can get through it. We have already seen some hard times... doubtless there will be more of them in the time we have ahead of us, but the hard times only serve to make us stronger, and to bring us closer together. You have my love, my trust, my support, and my faith. I promise that I will not give up on you. I want you to know and to understand, Michael, that the deepest desire of my heart is to see you happy--whatever that takes. You have shown me what it means to be a complete and happy woman, and I would return that to you a thousandfold, if I only knew how. I promise to do what I can, as well as I can, to see you happy from now until the day I die. I love you, Michael David Cross. I am yours, heart, body, mind, and soul."
As she finishes speaking, she slips a golden ring onto the third finger of his left hand. The band is heavy and wide, engraved on the outside with a flowing pattern of five-pointed stars and pairs of stylized letter 'C's, twined together to represent the union of Casya and Cross. Along the inside edge are the words, "I love you." and the stardate: 54212.5.

Valentine totally loses it. Tears stream down her smile, to such an extent that she doesn't bother trying to hide them. Dang sappy mush.

. o O Foster thinks "Yes, but she didn't make you a good enough man to avoid forcing your undesired attentions on a married woman. Lieutenant Tyler asked me to forgive you, Michael Cross, and I'm trying. But you haven't shown me any reason why my initial assessment of you should change. If I can't trust you, then there will always be that niggling doubt in my mind. I don't know how you can even change it. Once trust is broken, it takes a lot to regain it, and you haven't done anything to deserve that. Not even a little."

Dirha listens to the vows with warm and smiling interest. He lets a moment of silence follow Casya's words, then lifts his head to look out at the crowd again, meeting the eyes of those assembled with his calm gaze. He says carefuly and clearly, "If there is anyone here who objects to this union, speak now."

Foster is stoic as he watches. That's it. No tears, not even a smile. He just watches quietly, a neutral expression on his face, with the occasional glance towards the exit that his wife took not too long ago.

Might have been a firing squad or an Academy lecture going on up front for there is little reaction coming from Donavon who merely observes silently.

Edwards looks around at the assembled when the call for objections goes out.

. o O Donavon thinks "How much of that is truth, Lt. Cross? How much?! Huh? For all the love you've spouted for Lanie you have the nerve to state your love wholly for one woman? What a lie. But I hope beyond hope you hold true to your promise - become a better man else you'll never have my trust."

Valentine certainly has nothing to say. Not out loud, anyhow.

Takamura takes a deep breath when Dirha utters the last words, his eyes scanning the crowd carefully. When he spots Valentine, he smiles at her symapthetically.

Dirha gives the crowd a few moments, then nods. "Good," he says, wearing a sweet smile of solemn pleasure. "Then I am invested with the authority of Casya and Michael's love, and the authority of this community's approval. I say that Michael David Cross and Casya are now married, and because I speak with this authority, my words are true." He looks to the couple. "Kiss now, and the rite is finished and your vows are sealed." The Prylar grins.

Donavon blatantly does not acknowledge Dirha's call for objection. Eyes narrow to slits momentarily when glancing ahead before she settles and nods to Foster quietly.

Poole is the only person in the room who, perhaps, looks very much like they have to say something. She's forcibly biting her lower lip and looking down. Nope. She doesn't say anything.

. o O Gwen Poole thinks "I object because in nine months it isn't going to matter. If I had known the full scope of things when Nevaren asked me, God knows if I would have said yes."

Casya 's amber gaze turns to sweep over the crowd for the first time since she entered the Temple, after the Prylar's call for objections. Her eyes widen a bit with surprise as they spot first Foster, and then Donavon, skulking in the rear... but when they say nothing, she smiles, the tension flowing out of her almost palpable. Turning back to her groom, she smiles up at him, stepping closer, waiting for him to lift her veil and obey the priest's directive.

During the time, Cross simply looks to Casya. He lets his ears listen for any objections, not wishing to look upon anyone who might possibly have one. He grins wide as he hears Dirha's last words. He steps forward to meet his wife, his hands lifts the viel up to reveal her face, the new ring glistening in the light. He leans forwards to kiss her tenderly.

. o O Casya feels a surge of overpowering love and joy as she gazes up at her new husband.

. o O Cross is relieved. Nothing stopped. Nothing happened. He is also blissfully happy.

Valentine holds her breath for a moment, not even realizing that she's doing so. Only once Cross has obeyed the priest's directive does she let out that breath with a happy smile. Who needs soap opera cliffhangers when ya got real life going on? Not that it stops her from marring her dress uniform by wiping her face with her sleeve some more.

Dirha beams. He produces his little wooden hammer and starts to ring the two bells he set up when he arrived, first one, then the other, high, then deep. Their long resonant notes draw out and overlap into a single sonorious sound to accompany the kiss.

Takamura releases a long drawn out breath as the ceremony concludes without incident. As the newlyweds kiss, he smiles brightly.

. o O Valentine glances toward Takamura, swept up in the emotion of the moment. Maybe. Maybe.

Casya slides her arms around her new husband, holding him close as they share their first tender, sweet kiss of married life. As the kiss lingers, she's unaware of anything but the man in her arms, not even the sounding of the bells penetrating through the haze of joy and love.

Discipline, discipline, that's the key, Foster believes. He nods at Casya, even giving her a bit of a smile, when she looks his way. The empty seat beside him is conspicuous by its very presence - someone else was probably there, and Casya's more than intelligent enough to figure out who. As the ceremony goes on, he watches, that neutral expression still on his face.

Bela enters the temple from the mall.

Bela has arrived.

Dirha keeps the bells ringing a little while, then lets them fall silent. He smiles as the ceremony breaks up into less formal conversation, and stays quietly at hand until the group disperses.

Poole brightens as the bells sound and forgets whatever she was thinking about, opting for, "Three cheers for the new Mister and Missus Michael and Casya Cross!"

Unlike Foster, Donavon displays a single reaction by the pressure of her squeeze upon the pew in front. Knuckles gradually turn white until she blinks at the coldness in her fingers. Swiftly, she releases to wiggle her fingers loose and kick start the blood flow.

Valentine joins in Gwen Poole's cheer, though her own cheers are a bit throat-constricted, due to the whole emotion thing going on.

Edwards does not cheer. He's not the cheering type. Instead, he stands up and offers some applause, lest he look like he's not happy at all.

Cross reaches up to cup Casya's face with both of his hands as he holds their kiss a moment longer. The kiss is finally broken and the world with sound returns to him. A large smile is upon his face as he looks to his new bride before hearing the bell and the call. He can't help but to laugh out. He slides an arm gently to turn and present her to everyone. His Wife.

Takamura doesn't cheer, but does politely applaud the new husband and wife.

Bela comes walking in swiftly, and slides to a halt when she realizes that she's missed it. She curses under her breath. Spotting her husband, she makes her way towards Edwards' side. She claps, too.

Foster remains where he is, not applauding, but not making any effort to drag others down. Simply being... unnoticed. It doesn't hurt that he is all the way in the back, so noone is behind him to see how he's not joining in on the clapping.

. o O Foster thinks "The reception is probably not going to be in here, so I can just wait until everyone goes to the other place for it, and head after Kait then."

Casya lets out a joyful laugh as she turns to face the crowd, her arm sliding around Cross's waist, as well. She is all radiant smiles as she takes in the applause and cheers, now at last able to really take note of who is here. At each familiar face she finds in the crowd, her smile brightens further--though she does avoid looking back toward the back. Maybe because all the standing people are blocking her view, anyway... maybe not. /Nothing/ is going to mar her moment of joy. "Thank you all so much for coming, everyone..." she calls out above the crowd. "We would be honored if you'd join us in the Dream Factory for the reception."

Donavon may have clapped once or twiced out of ceremonial reasons, but otherwise she's kept a low profile. Sharing not an expression, she murmurs out of the corner of her mouth, beneath the din of applause and cheers. Donavon whispers to Foster, "Are you certan you don't want to go with me..there?"

Valentine's eyes twinkle merrily- she's heard about the things that go on when Casya's in the Dream Factory. She sends a look toward Tak with a smile.

Foster whispers to Donavon, "I don't consider this a happy occasion, for once a betrayer, always a betrayer, and Casya doesn't need that. Besides, I'm worried about Kait. I don't want her to be alone too long. Not today."

Edwards looks aside to Bela. "Maybe you can just pretend you were here and nobody'll notice." he murmurs. Then he smiles.

Tyler claps for Cross and Casya. She's kept a low profile toward the back of the temple during the ceremony. She's wearing her dress uniform, though. Now that the ceremony is winding down, she starts making her way toward the door.

Donavon sighs and nods. Donavon whispers to Foster, "And one of us needs to put in an appearance at the reception...I know. I have a canister of cookies in my quarters. Pick it up for Lanie for later. Hug her for me?"

Bela smiles at Edwards. "In this dress? Definitely not."

Takamura smiles at the happy couple, then glances over to Tara with a wider smile.

Foster nods at Donavon, sighing the same as she is. Foster whispers to Donavon, "I will. On both counts. Hey... are you all right? I mean, it is a wedding, and all, and Robert isn't back yet."

Cross slides an arm around Casya's waist as he looks out at the guests, his smile still warm and present. "Yes, thank you for coming. We very much appreciate you being here. Now, this is a joyous occasion. Everyone to the Factory. Eat, Drink and be Merry!" He calls out.

Valentine lowers her gaze coyly. She's smiling. Oh gods, yes, she's smiling.

Donavon meets Foster's eyes, solemnly holding them. Donavon whispers to Foster, "I'll be alright. This...didn't feel like a wedding, sad to say." Eyes scant out to the crowd, waiting for everyone to disperse to the Dream Factory.

Casya gives Cross a squeeze and a tug and steps down the aisle at his side, leading the way out of the Temple with her husband at her side. Exeunt Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Casya Cross, up-center.

Despite tensions in the crowd, the looming sense of objection, the blossom of love shared between Cross and Casya led to the completion of their ceremony. Vows shared for love eternal, tears shed for the wedding, the newly married couple sets out for their future together...onward to the reception and what awaits them both. Mister and Missues Michael Cross at last.