The Loveland Random Town Jump

[Beks]

Chapter 104 - Time For Cheesesteak

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Ida, Josie, and Keira have a busy week as children, and it flies by.

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At school, they start to meet all the other kids their age. I really need to start keeping notes on who's who, but I know that the girl in the front here is the twin sister of Rita (who was swinging with Keira last chapter). The boys, left to right, are Jamal Kasmir-Luck, Roderick Singh, and Demond Foster. The girl in the back, named Trina, is (upon research) the daughter of Charlie Ray Buckshot and a pudding-faced townie.

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The triplets are all best friends with each other, and they get along swimmingly, despite their different personalities. They autonomously do their homework together every afternoon.

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They also take turns crushing each other in chess. Thanks to their peg box skills, they're all like logic level 4 already.

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Josie is the shyest of the three. She spends most of her time petting the cats or taking care of Norman the iguana.

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I like this picture because it looks like Boba is expressing his adoring love for Keira, when in reality, he's in the process of tackling her.

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Despite my many attempts, it's really hard to get this family to sit down together for meals. Somebody always goes for the bar stools, and somebody always gets stuck between the toy ovens and the dishwasher. *sigh* I just want a cute picture of the whole family looking wholesome!

Well, I have pictures of PARTS of the family being wholesome. Lydell actually isn't the most involved father--when he's not at work, he prefers to chill in front of the TV rather than interact with his kids. Usually it's the girls who force him to get off his butt and talk to them.

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"Daddy, pay attention to me!" *THWUMP*

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You want more proof of how bold and brave Ida is? Every single night before bed, she goes upstairs to check under the bed for monsters. Not even her bed--usually one of her sister's. And every time, she gets the confident "No Monsters" moodlet. I think the monsters are probably scared of HER.

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Josie continues to practice painting, but I think her real passion is going to be music. I just have a feeling.

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Moira is making steady progress in her medical career. It feels slow because she started so late and maxing the science skill did NOTHING to help her along, but she's actually moved up pretty quickly considering the circumstances. As a level 7 Genetic Researcher or whatever she starts holding clinics. I like that she chose the graveyard. Way to scare the patients into healthy habits, Moira.

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Lydell achieves his Lifetime Wish by maxing the law enforcement career. The game has been putting him in seemingly random outfits from other careers this whole time, which is kind of hilarious. He wore scrubs at one point, an early-level musician outfit, a couple of military getups...maybe because he's a spy? Always in disguise? Anyway, congrats, Lydell!

After a full week of skilling, schooling, and playing, our three little girls are ready to age up to teens.

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But not before they simultaneously satisfy their wishes to play pretend that they've had all week.

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Moira and Lydell lay out the cakes once again. Uncle Killian is here too to help celebrate.

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All the girls are supposed to age up together, but for some reason Keira goes first.

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That's when everyone notices there's an uninvited guest at this party.

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"Hi there, sir. Welcome to our birthday party. Would you like a piece of cake?"
"No thank you, child. I'm just here for the cat."

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This is such a weird, intense moment. The loud death music overpowers the birthday music; the girls continue to clap and cheer while the parents transition to sobbing. And once the sparkles have begun, they cannot be stopped! Ida takes her turn while the Reaper prepares his scythe.

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"This is the best birthday party ever!"

I think Josie's just excited because she likes Grim's outfit. Or maybe she's just pretending to be happy over the chasm of sadness that is opening inside of her due to the death of one of her beloved animals. Who knows!

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Josie's glowing sparkles light up at the same moment as the light that will carry Nibs into cat heaven. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO FEEL.

Moira sums up how I feel, actually.

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"My cat is dying and my daughters are growing up, all at the exact same time. I think it's time for cheesesteak." (I just realized, looking back at this screenshot, that SHE'S NOT EVEN EATING BIRTHDAY CAKE. She literally walked away from the party to get leftovers out of the fridge and eat those instead of deal with what is happening. Oh, Moira.)

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Well, Nibs, you're certainly departing with fanfare. My handsome ghost kitty, we shall love you and miss you. Now you can return to your true form forever. Rest in peace.

Okay! That was thrilling. It gets even more thrilling when, right after Grim leaves, the camera jumps over to the front door and the University Mascot comes waddling onto the lot. It freaks me out me so much that I just delete him with the "Object - Delete" cheat. Sorry not sorry, llama man! You're the worst!

I guess we should give the girls makeovers now? *sigh*

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Ida, our bold, brave firstborn, is now Evil. You know what, I didn't exactly expect it, but somehow I feel this was inevitable. She's had the tenacity and sharpness since she was a baby. And I mean, she DID age up under the shadow of the Grim Reaper.

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Then again, Keira's fine. In fact, she develops the Heavy Sleeper trait. Almost like she was bored by the birthday proceedings. Or just wanted to sleep through them.

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As for Josie...she's actually the middle child, but I saved her for last because her makeover is my favorite. She was born to be goth and I can finally make it happen. Josie also might have been affected by Grim's surprise appearance, or something, because now she Dislikes Children. Now if that ain't goth, I don't know what is.*

*I don't know if that's goth. My knowledge of the goth subculture is limited to my goth friend in high school, who disliked children and was otherwise lovely, and wikipedia, which mentions nothing about this trait. Josie is mostly just embodying the aesthetic, as much as the teen clothes in The Sims 3 allow it. We're also ignoring the fact that she likes Roots music, okay? Okay.

[hazelnut]

The career boost from science is a big disappointment, isn't it?

Congratulations on triplet redheads!  Red hair does seem to stick around (I think for 12 generations in the Household Skills).  Or maybe it's just that it's more noticeable than a particular shade of brown or black would be.  The girls are cute, anyway and I love their distinct personalities.

Yep, all kids can fish in swimming pools.  So can insane adults – and possibly also childish ones, although I've not tested it.  With high enough skill, they can even catch the odd fish!

Edit:  That was one heck of a birthday!  RIP, Nibs.

[deedee_828]

Grim attending a birthday party seems to be happening more often than ever! RIP Nibs and enjoy your ghostly self again.

I love the girls' new teen looks and they are developing even more individual styles and personalities!

I think any of them would make a great heir, so it's going to be interesting to see who gets that coveted slot!

[Beks]

The career boost from science is a big disappointment, isn't it?

Congratulations on triplet redheads!  Red hair does seem to stick around (I think for 12 generations in the Household Skills).  Or maybe it's just that it's more noticeable than a particular shade of brown or black would be.  The girls are cute, anyway and I love their distinct personalities.

Yep, all kids can fish in swimming pools.  So can insane adults – and possibly also childish ones, although I've not tested it.  With high enough skill, they can even catch the odd fish!

Edit:  That was one heck of a birthday!  RIP, Nibs.

Oh, SUCH a disappointment. I'm still mad about it, lol.

And thank you! Goodness, I wonder if the red hair will stay through the end of this RTJ (I've only got three towns left after this). That would be wild.

I can't believe I never knew that kids can fish in pools before. I'm totally exploiting that the next time I raise an angler.

Grim attending a birthday party seems to be happening more often than ever! RIP Nibs and enjoy your ghostly self again.

I love the girls' new teen looks and they are developing even more individual styles and personalities!

I think any of them would make a great heir, so it's going to be interesting to see who gets that coveted slot!

Grim just can't stay away from the birthdays, apparently. He must like drama. (I guess you'd have to, with his job.)

The girls really are all great candidates this generation. I'm so pleased that they got such interesting and unique personalities. Hardly a non-trait trait to be found!

[Beks]

Chapter 105 - Lads & Ladies

The girls' personalities really start coming out now that they're teenagers.

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Keira gets busy at her workbench and contentedly stays there for hours at a time, racking up new inventions and blowing through tons of scrap.

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Josie picks up her new guitar. This girl doesn't smile often, but when she does, it's usually because she's playing music.

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And Ida...well. I'm afraid to imagine what mischief she's going to get up to now.

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It starts early. Josie is Ida's first target, and just like that, the two girls are no longer best friends.

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Josie goes to her mother for consolation. Poor Josie is pretty torn up over Nibs's death--her mourning moodlet is more severe because of her Animal Lover trait. Now having an Evil sister is just making things worse.

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Overall, though, Ida isn't the worst Evil Sim I've ever played. At least, not yet. She gets along decently well with everyone most of the time, probably because they're all so busy. The whole family leaves for work and school at 8 o'clock sharp every morning, so the mornings are always a flurry of showers and breakfast and people doing things like reading books when they should be getting out the door.

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Besides, Ida is already finding slightly more healthy ways to exercise her wrath. RIP, every sand sculpture Keira ever made.

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Keira and Josie still get along great. They roll wishes to become BFFs with each other and seal the deal the very next morning.

The day after the girls' birthday is Sunday. Ida makes it her goal to go out and meet as many eligible bachelors as possible.

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She finds her first one at the park on the edge of town.

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"Ida, you say? And you're Evil, you say? Ohmygosh me too!"

Bennie and Ida spend about ten minutes together before Ida moves on to the next destination, but even before Ida gets home, Bennie calls her to ask her to prom. Okie dokie then!

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"Good afternoon, little man. My name's Ida, and I am one of three eligible sisters living in that big house on the hill. I know you're not a teenager yet, but when you do age up, call me up and let me know your new trait, won't you? I'm keeping notes of all of our potential spouses, and your genes look very promising."

Whilst Ida is out terrorizing the young men of the town, Keira goes to visit her friend Rita for the first time since they've aged up. (Keira and Rita were playing on the swings together at the family party, you might remember.) Ever since I caught those girls playing together, I wondered...well, you'll see.

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Turns out I wasn't far off the mark. Keira is indeed interested in a lady--just not Rita, apparently. She meets Rita's twin sister, Tina, and instantly falls head over heels.

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Keira and Tina flirt the day away. Isn't Tina cute? In like a weird, Sims 2-ish kind of way? Keira asks Tina to prom before leaving for the day, and proceeds to roll multiple wishes to go out with her again. I think we have a winner!

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If you're wondering how the parents are doing (you're probably not), they're doing fine. Moira is an Infectious Disease Researcher (help us please) and Lydell keeps cruising at the top of the law enforcement career. They spend a lot of their time playing chess together, because somehow Moira is still a few levels behind where she needs to be for her job.

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Boba has his elder birthday.

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Don't worry, he's still getting plenty of attention and love. Mostly from Josie.

But Boba's elderhood is a little bit of a wakeup call. He doesn't have a whole lot of time left, and we need to bring in the next generation of kittens!

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Luckily, there's a cat in town who's freshly adult-ed and absolutely beautiful. Boba goes to meet her. The mysterious lady cat's first move is to pounce on him. Four times. Boba keeps trying to leave the lot and she's just like, Nope! and pounces on him again.

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We have to have her. Josie does the honors, filing the adoption papers and taking the kitty home. The cat, formerly known as Fester, is renamed Katara (new naming theme alert). Welcome to the family, my little water bender kitty cat!

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I really didn't intend the spouse hunting to take over the girls' teen years. So here's proof that they also do their homework. Well, Ida and Josie do their homework while Keira reads because she finished it in three seconds.

Ida won't let up on her goal, though. It doesn't even matter who the heir is. Spouses must be acquired!

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"So, Keira. I've been gathering a list of potential men for us to marry. I know a Genius you'd probably get along with, but he's also a Slob, which isn't ideal for this already chaotic family, so then I thought maybe this other guy--"

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"Thanks, Ida, but I don't need your help. I'm already in a relationship. With a girl."
"Ohhh. Wait, that means...you're not going to be the heir?"
"Probably not. And I'm okay with that. I'd rather spend my time reading and inventing anyway."
"You mean I only have to defeat Josie in this contest now? Excellent!"

So Ida has a date to prom, Keira has a date to prom...what about Josie? She hasn't expressed interest in anyone yet--nor has she really even met anyone her own age.

Well, except for a certain Ronny Kerman-Sagar, their longtime family friend. Ronny hasn't been over to the house in a while. He's best friends with all three girls but hasn't seen them as teens yet.

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He seems to like what he sees in Josie, though.

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Honestly, I kind of expected Ida to go for Ronny at the first chance she got. But Ronny and Josie hit it off well. They might just be gossiping about Ida here...it's hard to say.

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"Yessss, my plans are coming along very nicely."

Poor Lydell just looks so done. I don't think he was ready to take on three teenage girls at once.

[deedee_828]

Evil sims can be very fun to play, as long as they're not destroying every relationship they have! The two I've played in my TJ game both had the trait counter-balanced with the family-oriented trait and the friendly traits, respectively----but poor Heath, the only boy in the 1st gen really got the short end of the stick, being born an evil, slob, getting loser as a child, then his one positive trait, family-oriented at teen, followed by commitment issues for his YA trait! What a combo that was, but he turned his life around and focused on his family.

Luckily, Ida's gotten better spins on the trait wheel and with Kiera out of the running for heir, it's now down to only two, Ida and Bennie, the evil duo, or Josie and Ronny!

And what a beautiful kitty to add to the family----welcome Katara!

[hazelnut]

Katara's gorgeous!  Can't wait to see the kittens

[Beks]

Evil sims can be very fun to play, as long as they're not destroying every relationship they have! The two I've played in my TJ game both had the trait counter-balanced with the family-oriented trait and the friendly traits, respectively----but poor Heath, the only boy in the 1st gen really got the short end of the stick, being born an evil, slob, getting loser as a child, then his one positive trait, family-oriented at teen, followed by commitment issues for his YA trait! What a combo that was, but he turned his life around and focused on his family.

Luckily, Ida's gotten better spins on the trait wheel and with Kiera out of the running for heir, it's now down to only two, Ida and Bennie, the evil duo, or Josie and Ronny!

And what a beautiful kitty to add to the family----welcome Katara!

That's such a crazy combo! I think Ida is the most "cohesive" Evil sim I've ever played. Her whole personality kind of makes sense.

Katara feels very welcome

Katara's gorgeous!  Can't wait to see the kittens

Isn't she?! I'm obsessed. <3

[Beks]

Chapter 106 - Taxis & Catsies

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Ronny stays at the Loveland house for the rest of the day, interacting with the whole family and generally being charming. The one he interacts with the least is Josie. Josie has always been shy, but she seems especially shy around Ronny after that initial gigglefest they had last chapter.

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Late that night, at about midnight, Ronny calls from the house next door to ask Josie to prom. It's not entirely unexpected--it's clear he's interested in Josie--but she still hesitates before saying yes.

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That night, Nibs haunts the lot. Guess what Katara does? Yup, she tracks him down immediately and gives him an introductory pounce. I've never had a cat that was so extroverted and sassy before!

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Speaking of which...the very next day, Boba and Katara try for kittens successfully. We're gonna have some new spotty babies running around soon!

It's prom night. Conveniently, Keira and Josie both want to go over to their dates' houses after school. Although this turns out to be inconvenient after all, because then they don't automatically head for the limo when it's time to leave. They have to take taxis separately. Because that makes sense.

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Keira's feeling a bit smelly after school, so she discreetly uses Tina's family shower. This becomes, er, a bit of a bonding moment between them. Apparently it's inappropriate to shower at your romantic interest's house without asking first. Who knew?

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Ida is the only one to take the limo to prom like a proper teen.

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Oh...and Ronny! Ronny, how'd you get here so fast? Josie is still at your house!

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Keira takes a taxi alone from Tina's house, but she does manage to arrive on time. And in style.

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So does Josie, after a long taxi ride down the hill from Ronny's house. I'm pretty sure her taxi was just behind the limo the whole time. They ALMOST went together.

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The triplets have a pretty magnificent prom. Keira wins prom queen (to Ida's chagrin). And all three girls end up sealing the deal with their prom dates. Ronny asks Josie to be his girlfriend; Bennie convinces Ida that a meteor is coming and they need to kiss immediately, then says they might as well go out officially; Tina shyly asks Keira if she can be her first kiss, and then asks her to go steady. It's all very adorable and very, very fast--I swear, this all happens between 7:00 and 7:30 pm.

What a very conclusive prom! And I have to admit...I'm left feeling a little uncertain about things, mostly about Ronny and Josie. Josie is so shy, and Ronny has always been the charismatic family friend and boy-next-door...he clearly cares about her, but are they really right for each other? I worry that Josie feels rushed into things.

Still, the prom notifications don't often lie. I get about thirty of them through the whole event, describing how well all the couples are faring and how they're developing strong feelings for each other. Ronny and Josie have more notifications than anyone else. So maybe I'm just imagining my doubts. (It wouldn't be the first time.)

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"I saw you and Ronny getting cozy on the dance floor, Josie! Did he kiiiiiiss you?"
"We haven't actually kissed yet."
"But...you're officially dating?"
"Yes."
"Interesting. I'll check back in forty-eight hours. If he still hasn't kissed you yet, I'll punch him, okay?"
"Whatever."

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My doubts are further thrown into relief when the next day, Josie goes home from school with a new friend she just met--Demond Foster. The very handsome Demond Foster. I think I spy a new suitor!

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But before you get too excited, here, get excited for something else! It's time for a brief interlude in all the teen drama. Katara is giving birth to kittens!

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Two of them!

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We have a girl kitten and a boy kitten. The girl kitten is named Azula. I couldn't help it after seeing her do this. Azula is an Adventurous Genius.

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Naturally, her brother has to be named Zuko (he's on the left here). Zuko is a Proud Genius.

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And Katara is a proud mommy. Yes, Katara darling, you made some very beautiful kittens. *applause*

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Boba shows immediate affection for his children too. I do wish the kittens had inherited more from Boba's fur, but I'll take what I can get.

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All right, back to the humans with reluctance. It's mid-week and I'm bored with the girls just doing homework and skilling, so the whole family takes a night off to go see the sights downtown.

They hit up a club called MN8. When they arrive, Josie does something I've never seen before--she immediately detaches herself from the group. Like, literally. She loses the icon on her portrait and everything. All by her own volition!

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"Ida, I can't do this. There's too many people here. I'd rather die than hang out in a group all night. I'm going to go read a book in a corner, okay?"
"Suit yourself, sis."

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Look who's here! Ronny is upstairs on one of the arcade machines. He and Ida spend most of the night attacking each other's spaceships. Or whatever.

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Josie and Ronny walk right past each other a couple of times, but they don't speak to each other.

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Another familiar face appears at the club that night. It's Demond! (Okay, I invited him here. You got me.)

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After a quick chat, Demond and Josie discover that they have compatible signs. Also, he's Artistic and Hates the Outdoors--those traits are somewhat similar to Josie's Virtuoso and Loner traits, right? No matter that Demond is in a relationship with Josie's cousin Melodie...I really like these two together! Maybe there's something here after all.

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As for the parents...well, you know. They're staying busy in their own way.

[Beks]

Chapter 107 - On That Hillside

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Josie is a puzzle to me. Maybe it's just her personality, but it is so hard to tell what she's thinking or what she wants. Thus far, she hasn't rolled any romantic wishes for anyone--not her boyfriend, Ronny, nor her new friend (and my personal favorite) Demond. She just wants to play music and paint and be friends with the cats.

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See, the cats literally flock to her when she plays her guitar. It's kind of extremely adorable.

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Keira's life is much more straightforward. She's very happy in her relationship with Tina, rolling wishes to go on dates with her and kiss her every minute. And when she's not pining for Tina, she's inventing. And doing very well at it.

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Moira: "So how are things with that nice neighbor boy, Josie? I always liked him when he came over to play when you all were younger."
Josie: *mumble mumble*

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On the weekend, Josie invites Ronny over. I haven't even seen them interact with each other since prom, and I'm curious to see how they act around each other.

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Things start off nice and heated when Ida comes over to insult Ronny. Thanks, Ida. Way to support your sister!

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It doesn't stop there, though. Keira gets in on the action and starts berating Ronny's ignorance, and then she and Ida start arguing, and then all three of them are yelling at each other--

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--and poor Josie is walking away silently, wondering what she's gotten herself into.

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See, these are the moments that make me question Josie's feelings for Ronny. They're still best friends, but she doesn't go out of her way to talk to him or spend time with him at all. Instead, she goes off to do her own thing, as Loners do.

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Ronny goes home in a huff. Ida takes out her anger on her dad's chin-up bar out back. She's best friends with Ronny, too, so I have no idea what she felt the need to yell at him about. It hadn't yet been 48 hours!

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Later that day, Josie heads downtown to blow off some steam and earn some tips at the coffeehouse. Freya drifts by in her golden haze--and hey, there's Demond! Fancy that! (Am I stalking him? 100%.)

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Josie goes up to say hello. And Demond--although he's in a relationship already--flirts with her. I knew it! I knew he liked her!

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I'm really excited about this--but Josie clearly isn't. She shrugs off his flirting with a look of boredom on her face. I let these two interact freely for a while, and though Demond flirts a few more times, Josie never reciprocates. She seems to view Demond as a friend and nothing more.

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I'm a teeny bit heartbroken, as Demond was my top choice for Josie's spouse. But when Ronny calls Josie to ask her on a date to the park...I start wondering if maybe the best thing has been right in front of us the whole time.

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"There you are, Josie. I'm sorry about earlier--you know, I love all of you Lovelands, but your sisters can be really aggravating sometimes!"

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"Believe me, I know. Ida likes to provoke people just to watch them squirm, and Keira...she's a little too nerdy for her own good."
"Yeah. That's why you're my favorite, Josie. You're perfect the way you are."

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They stand in silence, looking at each other, as a wild horse calmly inserts himself as a romantic trope in the background.

And then Josie ruins it.

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"You know, Ronny--maybe--maybe YOU should be MORE nerdy!"

I'm on the verge of uninstalling University Life. I really am.

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"What?! Josie, I don't get you! One minute you're talking to me, the next you're giving me the silent treatment and hiding when I come over, and the next, you're saying I need to be NERDIER?? You know what, forget it. If you want me in your life, you let me know. I'm going home."

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Go home he does. Josie stays at the park, where she is blessedly alone, and dutifully does her homework in peace.

At this point, I'm at a loss for what to do about Josie. She's my favorite of the triplets and my top choice for heir, but she doesn't seem happy with any of her romantic prospects. I start wondering if she would truly be better off alone, being a cat lady for the rest of her life.

But then, while she's doing homework on that hillside, she finally rolls a wish. A wish to go on another date with Ronny. So she DOES care about him! She regrets ruining the moment and wants a second chance!

Josie hurries home as it's getting dark. Then she calls Ronny and invites him over.

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"Okay, Ronny...look. I'm sorry for being so distant...and for confusing you. After you left me alone on that hillside I realized that I do care about you, and I want to make things right.

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"You're the only person who keeps seeking me out even when I run away, who still wants to talk to me even when I'm silent. That means a lot."
"That's because YOU mean a lot to me, Jo."

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Awww. These two really have a sweet relationship--their go-to interaction is gossiping, which I think is hilarious and adorable. They're friends first, lovers second--and I think that's exactly what Josie needs.

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After this, Josie starts rolling wishes to spend time with Ronny regularly. She never rolls a single wish for Demond. A couple days later, Demond ages up to young adult and immediately gets hitched to Melodie Loveland, so I guess it really wasn't meant to be. And even though she's pretty much committed to Ronny, Josie will always be committed to her animals first. Including Norman the iguana.

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Oh, and as for Ida? Well, she and Bennie just want to make out with each other. Constantly. All the time. So I think they're doing just fine.

[deedee_828]

It's hard to pick the right partner when things aren't definite or just don't feel right.

With my Lucinda being mean spirited, she chased away potential suitors in the blink of an eye----I'm thinking it was only Rory's absent-mindedness that had him sticking around!

I wish Josie the best of luck with Ronny, Demond, or whoever she chooses as her soulmate.
Perhaps the ones she meets in real life just don't compare to the dashing heroes in the novels she reads?

But that would mean Ida claiming the heirship for this gen!
The suspense builds!

Sweet spotted Katara kitten twins! I was hoping for at least Boba's bobbed tail, but they are cute looking just like their momma.

[Beks]

Get ready, y'all. I'm behind on posting and in a hurry to get to the next town. It's time for a triple update!

Chapter 108 - Tortoises & Hares

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After years and years of hard work, Moira achieves her Lifetime Wish of maxing both the science skill and the medical career a few days before her elder birthday.

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To celebrate, she goes to visit her brother. Killian gives her a congratulatory hug.

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While she's there, Moira gets to know her nieces and nephew. Little Robin just became a toddler.

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This is Sherry. She's the only one of Killian's children to inherit Angela's hair color.

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And Melodie, the eldest, just became a young adult. (She's the one who's married to Demond Foster, although they apparently haven't moved in together yet.)

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The triplet teens are, you know, being triplet teens. Ida stays out too late with Bennie and gets picked up by the cops.

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"Mom, I'm Evil. What do you expect me to do, behave?"

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At least Ida brought home this cute souvenir of her post-curfew date.

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Josie and Ronny are very happy together, I'm pleased to say. I was worried, but Josie seems to have settled into the relationship and is starting to really show her affection for Ronny. This is actually their first kiss, on something like their fourth date. I guess you could say Ida and Bennie are the hares here, and Josie and Ronny are the tortoises. Or something.

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Josie has also taken to playing guitar out in town for tips. It's not her favorite activity, being a Loner, but it's a way for her to put herself out there and meet people while still not having to talk to anyone.

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Josie has also acquired a full set of instruments to practice on. She rolled the One Sim Band LTW early in her teen years, and while it's not locked in yet, she may as well get started in that direction. She makes a lot of weird faces when she plays the bass.

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See?

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Her weird smile turns to a weird frown soon enough. Norman the iguana only lives for a couple of weeks. I've never had a small pet in the Sims long enough to see it die.

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Josie, our dear Animal Lover, is duly heartbroken.

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At least she has sweet Keira to mourn with her. RIP, Norman. You were...um...a very nice iguana.

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On a more positive note, here's some kitten spam! Azula and Zuko are almost identical except for their fur shapes (and personalities--Azula is, appropriately, Adventurous, while Zuko is, also appropriately, Proud).

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Look how similar their fur patterns are!

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*dies of cuteness*

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All too soon, the kittens have their birthdays.

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Zuko immediately strikes this prideful pose. Yes, Zuko, you're VERY handsome. Consider your honor restored!

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Somebody else is having a birthday.

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"GYAHH! Dad, when did you get old?!"

I realize that's not the true context of this photo, but since I don't remember what Lydell was scolding Josie about, this is the caption we're going with.

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Well, a newly-eldered Lydell can still bond with his daughters over video games. He'll always be young at heart.

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Next time, a certain three someones will be celebrating a birthday. Until then, things are nice and peaceful in the Loveland household tonight.

[Beks]

Chapter 109 - It Will Be a Rager

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Moira becomes an elder and I can't believe she's old already.

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Well, she makes a cute old lady, at least.

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Josie and Ronny have one last evening together as teens before they're due to age up.

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The girls' birthday is Saturday. Keira is up with the sun and preps for the day with a book, as always.

As the family mills about getting ready, Ida calls all the friends she and her sisters know.

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"Good morning! On behalf of the three eligible bachelorettes of the Loveland estate, I would like to invite you to our young adult birthday celebration, today at 2 pm. It will be a rager. Please come. And if you don't show up, I'll hunt you down and kick you in the ribs. Okay? Okay."

It takes a while for all the guests to arrive--so long, in fact, that I decide to just go ahead and age the girls up while the guests are still trying to find their way to the third floor.

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Thanks for facing the other way, Keira. How very eccentric and absent-minded of you.

Ida goes first...

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Josie next...

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...and finally, Keira.

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And here it is: the final reveal!

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Ida is now a Natural Cook, which actually fits her perfectly in my mind. Her other traits, as a reminder, are Brave, Disciplined, Perfectionist, and Evil. Her new Lifetime Wish is Emperor of Evil, because how could she be anything else?

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Josie pierces my heart (in a good way) once again with her new trait. She's now Over-Emotional, in addition to being a Loner, a Virtuoso, and an Animal Lover who Dislikes Children. I can't with this girl. She's just so goth! (I was secretly hoping for Grumpy, but Over-Emotional is the next best thing.) She decides to follow her teenage dream and become a One Sim Band.

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Keira becomes, of all things, a Natural Born Performer. I guess living in Starlight Shores has rubbed off on her. Her other traits are Eccentric, Absent-Minded, Bookworm, and Heavy Sleeper, and her Lifetime Wish is Monster Maker.

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Now that the triplets are fully grown, they can make some big life decisions. Keira is the first to do so, immediately calling up her girlfriend Tina who aged up a few days before.

She arranges to meet Tina at the cemetery.

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Tina: "Um...why did you invite me out to the funeral chapel?"
Keira: "Because it's so WEIRD! Isn't it weird?!

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"Also, I have something special planned."

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"Well, good, because I'm getting a little creeped out..."

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"How's THIS for creepy?"

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Tina agrees to marry Keira, of course, and the two of them whirl into their formal clothes and tie the knot right there in the funeral chapel.

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What else are you supposed to use this place for? It was just made for eccentric weddings. (And does anybody throw funerals in the Sims, really?)

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Congratulations, Mrs. and Mrs. Loveland!

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They do manage to get one spectator for their wedding. A good thing, too--it turns out that both Keira and her new bride are Natural Born Performers. An audience of one is still an audience.

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Tina joins the household and doesn't really get much of a makeover, because she's already cute and I'm lazy. Tina's traits are Artistic, Insane, Virtuoso, Easily Impressed, and Natural Born Performer. She likes Egyptian, Shawarma, and Violet, and her Lifetime Wish is Vocal Legend.

[Beks]

Chapter 110 - The Town & The Sea

We're almost ready to move to the next town. But before we do, we need to deal with the issue of household space.

With the way things have worked out this generation, only two of the three triplets will be able to bring a spouse along to the next town. This is largely due to the fact that we have so many cats. Even after giving one cat up for adoption, there will still only be room to move two new Sims into the family--or else, someone has to stay behind.

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Step one is to give up one of the cats. Zuko remains with the family, and Azula goes off to a new home. Good luck, Azula! I wish we could keep you.

The original plan for the humans was to leave Keira and Tina behind in Starlight Shores. But then, something happens to make another possibility more likely.

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Ida and Bennie have kind of an odd relationship. I mean, they're super into each other, but I've often wondered whether their relationship has any real depth. All they ever do is make out with each other. They never talk or hang out aside from lavishing physical affection upon each other. And Ida never rolls any wishes to interact with Bennie--she's just attracted to him on a physical level. She's all over him when she's in his presence, but aside from that, she never thinks about him.

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There's also this. Bennie has started rejecting some of Ida's advances. I soon discover that he got the Commitment Issues trait for his birthday. Yikes. Not exactly a good omen for a Sim about to move to a new town with a new family, eh?

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Before things can progress, though...it's graduation! *sigh*

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Now, this exact moment is when the glitchiness of Starlight Shores becomes apparent. It starts when I pan back to the house and find that two maids have shown up to clean the house today.

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Then there's the massive routing problem that is graduation. Evidently half the town is graduating today, and this particular City Hall is not exactly conducive to large gatherings.

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The ceremony takes forever. And when it's over, the entire Loveland family emerges as one blob in the doorway. This is never a good sign.

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The clogged lot results in some serious lag, the worst I've seen in a very long time. It gets so bad that I have to reset everyone in the town in order to get things moving again. I think it's time to hurry the heck up and move, don't you?

Anyway, graduation results! Ida graduates with highest honors, is Valedictorian, and is voted Most Likely to Take Over the World. Not surprising at all. Josie also graduates with Highest Honor and is voted Most Likely to Never Leave the House. Keira graduates with Highest Honor too, and is voted Most Likely to Write a Bestselling Novel. I'm not sure that will happen, but you never know. And Tina graduates with...a pass! LOL I've never seen that before. She's voted Most Artistic.

That night, Ida invites Bennie over to try and work out their disagreement earlier, whatever that was. And...it doesn't go well.

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"You're saying you have Commitment Issues now? You do realize that I'm planning to marry you, right? And bring you to the next town? And have a family with you?!"

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"Yeah, well, I'm not so sure about that stuff now! You're asking me to leave my whole life behind for you! That's a big deal!"

All the negative interactions cause Bennie to leave the date early. So once again, Ida has to wait for the next day to finish the conversation. She visits Bennie at his house the next morning to give him an ultimatum.

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"Bennie, my family is moving in the next day or so. If you want to come, you need to tell me now. Commit to me, or else!"
"I don't want to commit. So I guess I choose 'or else', whatever that means."

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"You know what, FINE! We're short a spot in the household anyway. We're over, Bennie. Good luck finding another Evil Sim as beautiful and accomplished as me. And if you ever change your mind, I'll be long gone!"

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Bennie's face when Ida breaks up with him proves to me that this was the right decision.

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"I don't think I'm going to change my mind."
"Whatever. It was nice knowing you, Lee."

Well. Although part of me is sad to see Bennie go, another part of me feels good about this. If Ida remains single for the time being, both Josie and Keira can bring their spouses to the next town. And it's not like Ida needs a man to complete her anyway. She might even be happier operating alone. No other evil masterminds to get in her way!

There's just one more thing that needs to happen before the move. And that's Ronny.

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Josie invites her boyfriend over and asks him to move in.

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And finally, I get to give Ronny a makeover. He looks SO much better with some facial hair, don'tcha think? Ronny's traits are Genius, Couch Potato, Over-Emotional, Angler, and Good. He likes Pop music, Goopy Carbonara, and Spiceberry, and his Lifetime Wish is to Become a Creature-Robot Cross-Breeder.

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Ronny starts blending into the family right away. He's got multiple traits in common with Lydell, so the two of them get along great.

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I think Ronny's overjoyed to be a part of the family. He gets to eat his favorite food and listen to his girlfriend play guitar anytime he wants (and half the time, she's in her nightie and stockings). How great is that?

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The next day, Josie takes Ronny out to their old haunt and favorite date spot--the park on the mountainous side of town. Their old friend the wild horse is there to greet them and everything.

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"Ronny, I love you. I know it took me a while to figure it out, but I'm certain now--I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

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"So...will you marry me?"
"Oh, Josie, there's nothing I want more. Yes! Yes!"

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I thought about throwing a big wedding for these two (considering Josie is the heir) (oh yeah, did I mention that?), but since she's a Loner, I figured she'd be happier with a private wedding.

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She and Ronny exchange vows right there on the hillside overlooking the town and the sea.

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Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Loveland!

Just a few loose ends remain to be tied up, and then, it's off to the next town.

[hazelnut]

Interesting choice of wedding venue there, Keira... but then, if there's a chapel, why not make use of it?  It would have suited a goth wedding as well .

It's sad that Azula had to stay behind but at least her twin will carry on the cat line (and those distinctive markings).