I'm peeved that we haven't lost Octavia yet. She was a real help when there were children in the household but she's living far too long, hasn't got any useful skills, and takes up space so she's now just a nuisance. When Arashi aged up, I had her train him, though it didn't work out too well.
He trains himself nowadays.
The only good news about Ashley's death was that it freed up the tenth slot in the household so that Lazuli could adopt her first Wild Horse. She chose Blumaroo.
Blumaroo is utterly gorgeous and Lazuli would like to keep her as she's an Elder, to live her final years in comfort... but she must think about her career. So Blumaroo was tamed and then sold.
The first three marriages of the Merryweather household I felt had been a little makeshift, just in the back garden with no real décor or anything. And now a huge amount of space is being taken up by areas for Lazuli – both the stables and her new mini-flat section of the house, and the hot-tub and barbeque area, which are set on a small courtyard.
Lazuli and Hubert aren't in any hurry to produce an heir yet, as the horses take most of their attention, so I was able to give some proper thought as to what to do for their wedding.
Lazuli has purchased Meadow Beach (you know, the fishing spot with no ponds on it?). It's a lovely little lot and though I was pained to build on it, I had plans.
I'm not remotely religious, but I do love old churches (and there are lots of them where I live), so I decided to replicate one as best I could. I think the end result is pretty accurate. I even took a chunk out of the Merryweather funds (which stands in the 900,000s now... when did that happen?) to put in that magic book, which makes a halfway decent imitation Bible. I also took all the graves out of the family inventory and created a family cemetary, which will fill up over time. Even Sandpiper and Stelmaria's graves are there.
By the already-installed fire pit, I created a small entertainment area, but I didn't add too much. I didn't want to deface the beauty of the lot. Most of it is still a lush, flowery field.
A day or two later, Lazuli and Hubert were up early. Just because it's their wedding day doesn't mean they can slack on their chores.
They suited up their horses specially. Semprini hasn't worn full tack in a while, as it's quicker and easier for Lazuli to just mount her bareback, but she didn't fuss.
Then Lazuli went off to get ready. This was my first proper experiment with makeup on a Sim. I don't wear makeup myself (can't stand the stuff) and I don't know anything about it really, but this is a wedding and a special occasion so I did my best. I think the overall effect is quite pleasant even if I secretly think she looks prettier without it.
Meanwhile Hubert got dressed, scrambled onto his noble stallion, and raced off to the church to wait for the guests.
For some obscure reason, even though I have Generations installed and put out benches for them, the guests still preferred to stand. Maybe they need single seats.
Ella Carlisle was there, as usual. She's been at every family party and celebration since the Dynasty began. But wait, what on Earth is Quartz doing...?
(And that's Candi Wesley in the background there, by the way. She's still pretty as an Elder.)
Under the gaze of the guests that were able to cram themselves into the church, Lazuli and Hubert were married.
Semprini and Arashi waited outside...
Then, as evening came down, Lazuli and Hubert mounted their dear steeds and rode away into the sunset.
Later that evening, when everyone had gone home, I found Quartz wasn't in the house. It didn't take me long to track him down.
No good can come of this.
