RP:Family Matters

Summary: Having grown impossibly close to the Kelvarian elf sisters, over the past five years, Scandal agrees that it's time to make it official. Lanara and Talyara are overjoyed that the dragon wishes to join their family, and so the trio heads to the courthouse in Cenril to settle any legal issues. After a brief dispute with an ill-mannered judge, the adoption is settled, and the siblings celebrate with a night on the town.

Scandal stood outside the courthouse hall. The Dragon had done his best to clean up, having gone so far as to spending the morning in the bath house, and also getting a tailor, to make him a white suit for the occasion. Partly because he was trying to make it the occasion, additionally it was because the lawyer had recommended it. Especially since the occasion was an adoption. Plus there were various other elements that had to be added in, to recognize that they were now a family. He also had prepared a reservation at a fancy restaurant after the procedure was over for three, since he felt that the occasion requested it. A treat for his two sisters. For now he was awaiting their arrival. Next to him sat two additional boxes, gifts for his sisters, two dresses, chocolates and two keys to his house in Venturil. He also had the dresses in case Lana or Talyara needed one when they went to the fancier that evening. In addition a note each saying he had a room for each of them to decorate as they desire, should they venture out there or have need of the house during the holidays, especially the holidays, as his birthday was arriving soon, and he wanted them there for a private party to spend the holidays with him. As dragon as ever, he tucked his wings around him as the courthouse was a tad chilly.

Talyara had left for Cenril several days ago—living in Frostmaw meant that the journey took much longer than when she had stayed in Sage. She had packed herself a bag, bundled herself up, and headed down the mountain. As she got increasingly further away from the frozen tundra, more layers were removed until she was dressed in some denim pants and a sweater. The witch had made a pitstop in Sage, returning to the cottage she had shared with Lanara for some time, in favor of freshening up and changing into a dress for the occasion. Taly changed into a black romper with a v-necked bodice and flared out legs. She had paired it with a studded belt and snagged a pair of black heels to change into once she had made it to the courthouse. The witch gathered her hair into a high ponytail and applied some simple makeup before heading out of Sage and east towards Cenril. Just outside the courthouse door, Taly kicks off her flats in favor of slipping on her heels before entering the corridor. It seems she has beaten her sister there but her brother took at the end of the hall looking dapper in his white suit. “Well there’s the man of the hour!” she beams at her brother before making her way towards him, her heels echoing with each step she takes.

Lanara had arrived early to the courthouse, though she saw someone walking an adorable puppy outside, and so she had left to trail after the stranger and make friends with their dog. It’s rather typical of the animal empath to behave in such a way on any given day, though she does return at the precise moment that the lawyer beckons for the trio to enter the court room. Her hues lock on the forms of Taly and Scandal, as they beeline to the door together, and she quickly catches up, wiggling between their bodies. Their soon-to-be brother looks dapper in his stark white suit, and she can’t help but giving him a well-deserved compliment, “You clean up nice! I’m so excited that we are –finally- making this official and we all will be one big, happy, family!” Her smile reaches her tapered ears as she stands on her toes to deliver a chaste kiss to the draconian’s cheek, before the turns to assess her sister. Taly looks fashionable as ever, and if Lana had the bosom to pull it off, she’d have borrowed that slinky little romper weeks ago! “My sneaky sister! Always stunning, and running off to Frostmaw, to leave me to my own devices in Sage!” As for Lana’s ensemble, she’s wearing a form-fitting mini-dress in pale pink, with silver strappy high heels, and a string of pearls around her neck. Long, chestnut locks, cascade to the middle of her back, worn in loose waves, and she had her makeup professionally applied by one of the girls at the market. The three of them made good looking siblings, that was for sure! Once they mention who they are and why they are here, they each stand behind a podium, Taly and Lana on the right, and Scandal on the left. The judge glowers down at them, not understanding what two little elves would want with the likes of a dragon, and vice versa. It was foreign to him, being a mere human, and he wasn’t known for his bedside manner. Clearing his throat, he begins, “You’ve all been sworn in, thank you for your patience. I’m Judge Valkenheiser and I’ll be hearing your case. First… I will speak with Scandal.” It’s nearing the lunch hour, and a platter of sausage links in freshly baked buns, is set before the Judge. He moves his gavel to the side, squirts some tomato paste, and rams one into his mouth, mumbling, “I eat my hot dog like this and I suggest you do the same!” Lana exchanges a look with Taly, unsure exactly what was going on, “What does that even mean? I don’t know about this guy!” Lifting the gavel, and nearly choking on his lunch, the judge smacks it against the desk, “ORDER. I command order in the courtroom! You silence yourself you little whippersnapper! And Scandal! Tell me why you want to belong to this family. What do these two women mean to you?”

(Post 1 of 2) Scandal smiled the best smile he could afford in the draconian form he had chosen as he saw Taly his sister arrive first. As soon as she was within reach he pulled her into a hug, and was careful not to let it be a dragon hug, as he didn’t want to ruin her work on looking great, and plus he didn’t want her spilling out, since bears did give less than friendly dragon squeezes. When the hug is over, he looks her over, “Man of the hour? Taly you look dazzling enough to steal a lawyer from this courthouse.” Scandal said with a chuckle, and compliment to his sister. “First to arrive, means first pick of the gifts.” He shows her the bench he was sitting at, and the two gifts sitting by it, one red paper box with a gold bow, the other a gold box, with a crimson bow. As soon as she picks out the box he turns to Lanara striding towards them, as soon as she is within reach her offers her the same hug, and a similar compliment, “I clean up well? The reflection in the mirror seems to be on the greater.” He says with similar smile he gave to Taly, “So I left your sister with first pick of the gifts, since she arrived first, but the other is for you.” He looked at them both now two women, about to be his sisters, it was probably good he could take a more humanoid form, that goofy smile of joy would have likely made people very uneasy, maybe even his sisters. As soon they mention to the lawyer that arrived who they were and why they were here, the lawyer led them into the courtroom. Scandal’s observation of the judge was a man who was having a considerably late lunch. The man’s use of the phrase concerning his hot dog, and to Scandal’s sorely disturbed mind he catches the meaning of the phrase with a pang of first embarrassment, causing rising silver kind flush near his neck and lower face, and then a slight, indignant, posture shift. The man was using the phrase in what he had interpreted as, humans adopt humans, elves adopt elves, dragons eat both, they do not have family, and if they did they likely wouldn’t use, their sisters in the right way.

(Post 2 of 2) These observations put Scandal mildly on edge as they felt considerably aggressive against him. It took a second to respond politely, surely the judge didn’t mean what he was inciting, “Your Honor I have been an orphan all my life, my parents humped to make me, and when they did, I was laid, but they were executed because they did it where they should not have been. I wasn’t show kindness until I met these, two, they cared for me, treasured me, as much as I treasured them, but more so they have worked tirelessly trying to find a cure for my condition, never asking for anything in return. Judge how can I not repay, these women for their kindness, to me? They offered me shelter, when I needed it, they have offered up their feelings and their innermost thoughts and feelings, when I am with them, we are open books, reading and reciting out strengths and our weaknesses, our hearts desires and our hearts avoidances, what pain may come and what joys to behold. These two women your honor, mean more to me than my own life, more to me than any horde I could build, more than life I could build, so long as it was with them, protecting them, loving them, be the uncle to their children should they one day ever have some, offering every kind of welfare I could offer, and giving them a name, a name that may one day again carry weight, but most importantly offering the balance a brother has on a family of sisters, with hopes that I can make up for the sadness in their childhood now.”

Talyara makes her way down the hall and embraces her brother pressing her cheek against him and making a mwah noise as she does so. “You are too kind, Scandal!” she beams at his compliments. His comment about snatching herself a lawyer is met with a chuckle just as a suited man of that very profession walks by and appraises Taly with a grin and a wink. “No lawyers for me, I prefer warriors.” As the draconian gestures towards the wrapped parcels on the bench she takes a few minutes to decide and opts for the gold one with the crimson bow; Lanara loved crimson so it seemed fitting she get the present wrapped in her favorite color. She would not open it just yet, wanting to wait for her sister to arrive and perhaps until after the adoption was made final. Lanara soon joins the pair and the younger witch smirks in her sister’s direction when she comments about her disappearance from Sage and her recent residency in Frostmaw. “My apologies, Lana. In my defense, I had no initial plans of -staying- there, it just so happens that I am enjoying the company very much.” A conspiratorial wink is given to the animal empath before she assess her own attire. “You look lovely as ever, Lana! Pink looks good on you!” The compliments come to a halt as the soon to be siblings are called into the courtroom to begin the hearing. As Taly moves to stand behind the right podium she leans her head towards Lana’s ear and drops her voice to a whisper. “Now let me do the talking. Goodness knows what you’ll inadvertently say or agree to.” Taly is a picture perfect court guest, standing tall and proud, her hands resting on the podium as the judge introduces himself and speaks to the Scandal first. The younger witch wrinkles her nose slightly when a platter of sausage links is brought before him to enjoy and a sidelong glance is given to Lanara who is doing the same. How odd. “Shhhh!” she quickly shushes her sister before taking up the pitcher of water that was left before them and filling up a glass. The vessel is lifted to her lips and she is just taking a healthy drink when Scandal breaks into a speech about his parents’ mating habits. Talyara is caught so off guard that she spits the water out of her mouth, spraying the podium and the nearby stenographer with it as she chokes. She quickly places her glass down and grasps the podium as she gasps for air. “What did I say you little twerps?! Quiet in the courtroom!” Judge Valkenheiser slams his gavel several more times as bits of half-masticated sausage and roll go flying. Taly holds her hand up in apology as she does her best to quiet her coughing fit before standing stoically once more, her face considerably more flushed that it had been initially. After the brief interruption, Scandal continues with his impassioned speech about what the witch sisters mean to him and what his intentions are in seeking this adoption. The judge considers his words before shifting his beady eyes in Talyara and Lanara’s direction. “And what of you two? What do two pretty little elves want with a bloke like that?” he asks, jabbing his thumb in Scandal’s direction. In an attempt to prove that she can be proper, Taly clears her throat before responding. “Your Honor, Lanara and I are no strangers to tragedy, having endured more than our fair share of horrors mostly at the hand of our biological father. We grew up in a small village where we were raised by not only our mother, but the others in our coven as well. Family is about love, selflessness, unconditional support, and community. None of those things require a blood tie. Our father’s violence towards us is proof that blood does not constitute family. I’m sure I speak for my sister and I when I say that we would be honored to call Scandal our brother, in truth we do so already! He is a great protector, incredibly generous, and exactly what I would imagine an older brother to be like.” Here, Taly pauses and turns to Lana inviting her to add her own addition to the petition for adoption.

Lanara is used to being reprimanded, even more so by public officials, so she merely rolls her eyes and gives Scandal all of her attention. At the mention of his parents fornicating and later laying eggs in a holy place, despite the fact that their love was forbidden, the witch has the audacity to applaud. Her clapping fills the room, and several turn to ogle the witch in her pink mini-dress, who wears a naughty smirk on her fair face, and is cheering at Scandal’s story. The judge is growing weary with the elf, and he scowls, his jugular beginning to twitch, “I SAID ORDER, YOU LITTLE KNIFE-EARRED LITTLE IMPS!” Lanara stands up tall, glowering at the Judge, as she replies to the racist comment, her words clipped, and her tone mighty. “No. You listen here. Judge I-Wish-To-Eat-Hot-Dogs-And-Spit-Them-All-Over-The-Realm. You are not high and mighty because you wear a cape and bang a hammer. I am a citizen of Lithrydel and I command respect, too! Why should I not applaud the dirty deeds his parents did in the past?! That’s what made Scandal! He’s our BROTHER! The purpose for this ludicrous court session! I thought we just had to sign some papers an-“ Lana is cut off, as it’s now Taly’s turn to speak, though sadly, the elder sister is now covered in water and spittle, from Taly’s aquatic outburst. Drying her hands on the barely-there dress, the witch listens to Taly speak, and when the floor is hers once more, she smiles sweetly at the judge, as if she hadn’t just scolded him before his peers. Lush lips part, as she prepares to speak on the dragon’s behalf, of why she thinks Scandal deserves to be adopted into the family, when the judge smacks the gavel against the podium. “One more word out of you Lady-In-A-Skimpy-Dress, and I will charge you with contempt!” Naturally having to have the final word on everything, Lana quips, “PIG!” The judge is going crazy, smacking his gavel as though he were playing ‘whack a mole’ as two guards approach the brunette and ready a pair of handcuffs. However, as all of this is going on, one of the jurors in the rear of the room rises and extends an accusatory finger at the judge. “We charge YOU, Judge Valkenheiser, for theft, racism, and for abusing the privileges that were appointed to you. Clearly, you are unable to handle this job. I sent a letter last week to the Senate of Lithrydel and explained all of your behavior. I was waiting for the right moment to show you. HERE is the official seal. Calling for YOUR arrest. After seeing how you treated that pretty elf and her spitting sister, we declare this a mistrial. You are banned from practicing law again, and if Scandal, Talyara, and Lanara, would please step into the records room, the newly appointed judge would be delighted to fill out their paperwork and make this union official.” Lana smirks at the two guards as they turn tail and clink the cuffs onto the screaming judge, and the sisters glance over at their new brother, both smiling.

Scandal inhaled slowly and then exhaled. The judge was nearing his black list, and no one, no one ever wants to be on Scandal's black list. He admires his sisters for standing up to the judge, and for a moment he was settling to be their brother even if there was no legality involved. But the swift entrance of one of lawyers changed that, and he was grateful, as the former judge was cuffed, and then dragged away. "As a suggestion, I would highly recommend you look into any friends or accomplices this former judge may have had, whenever power at this level is corrupt, there is usually some lackeys still lingering about." He said as the judge was dragged out. He turned his head towards Lana and Taly giving them a second hug, "Never let your voice be silent you two." He moved with them to the records room, and when seats were brought in, he helped his sisters into their chairs before he sat down. The newly appointed judge was a smaller man with a brown mustache and blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. He wore a brownsuit, which was dirty from the dust of the records. "My apologies, but thank you for putting up with that, now legality can resume and corruption be extinguished." He said. "John Manifred, well I suppose Judge Manifred now." Scandal smirked and shook the new judges hand as the judge held out his hand for each of them. Timid but polite, Manifred handshake was, but integrity in the eyes. "Okay so your wanting to be recognized as family, are you the sisters involved wanting Scandal here to inherit your last names, or are you looking to use his last name, Just for legality and ease of access and possible attempts to restore nobility if such a name is present. You would be surprised by how many first name records we have, and how many few with last names included." He pulls out a feathered pen to scratch down the name awaiting. "Also will there be any inheritance that goes with this?" Scandal looked at Lana and Talyara, if they took his last name then there likely would be some more deeds and stuff to sign, but if they had a name for themselves it likely go the same way, the difference being less paperwork. "Last thing, your Full Names please." He looked at Scandal and Scandal looked at his sisters before he spoke. "My full name is, "Ashiouz Androxius Novanacus Scrathulclaw, my first name I don't use I was never called it, I was called Scandal after the event with my parents, my house in Venturil shared with me the family line, which pointed to my first name. That I never knew."

Talyara looks upon Lanara, waiting for her sister’s impassioned speech about why Scandal should be welcomed into her family, when she yelps in surprise as the judge begins to hammer his gavel once more, screaming horrible things. What was this man’s problem?! The younger witch narrows her eyes in his direction as he begins to threaten Lanara, who of course, latches onto the bait and begins to shout in return. However, as she sees the men approach with handcuffs she immediately shoves Lanara behind her, intent on creating a barrier between them so she couldn’t be accosted. She couldn’t afford to bail her sister out of jail! But suddenly, one of the jurors stands from their seat and points an accusatory finger at the judge who, apparently, had been involved in some corrupt practices and this abuse of power against the dragon and witches was the final straw. Taly is dizzy with confusion at the back and forth of this would be simple case. “I don’t know about this,” she mumbles to her sister before Scandal comes over to embrace the pair. The younger then links her arm through her sister’s and moves towards the records room where they all take a seat. “Thank you for seeing us Judge Manifred,” she says with a small smile. “We all appreciate you still willing to finalize this adoption despite the chaos we just witnessed.” When he inquires about the taking of names and inheritance, Talyara falters. Huh, she hadn’t even considered that. “What do you think?” she asks her sister, always following the elder one’s lead. “My full name is Talyara Iirima Isilme.” Swallowing hard she continues, “if it’s alright with you two, I think I’d like to keep my name. It’s what my mother gave me and since I don’t have her anymore, I’d like to keep that little piece of her close.” Talyara bites her lower lip, her expression becoming shy and timid. She hoped her siblings wouldn’t be mad at her decision and she folds her hands in her lap, casting her gaze down to the ground not wanting to see any disappointment in their eyes.

Lanara is grateful that Talyara stepped in front of her, before she was arrested and thrown into a cell, as they couldn’t afford to post bail. Not again, at least. The witch had been arrested six times the previous year for barroom brawls and disorderly conduct, so this would just add to her list of transgressions and likely land her a more severe sentence. Being ushered into the records room, a pleasant judge agrees to see that their case is taken care of, and the trio are offered seats and a drink. Lanara declines a beverage, though her ghetto booty is too large to squeeze into the narrow chair, so she awkwardly fidgets and once the arm is ripped off and lands on the floor with a ‘thunk’ the witch lowers that legendary arse onto the seat. The matter at hand is completely over her head, as she had been busy with stuffing herself into the chair, and now Judge Manifred is eyeing her oddly, as though –she- were the dragon sibling! Ever the troublemaker, Lana locks eyes with Scandal, wanting very much to take his last name, though there’s a distinct desire to share another’s last name. “I will remain as Lanara. If Sandman and I ever walk down the aisle… I’d very much enjoy becoming a Krawft.” She can practically feel the smirk on Taly’s lips, as she knew that Lana’s idol was Lara Croft, the fearless tomb raider, that she aspired to mimic. It’s likely why the witch led the Adventurer’s Guild too, as she holds a likeness to the fabled woman. The judge fills out the paperwork, the beneficiary forms should something happen to Scandal, and after they all sign on the dotted lines, he rises from his chair, “Congratulations! I legally pronounce Ashiouz Androxius Novanacus Scrathulclaw, Talyara Iirima Isilme, and Lanara… Siblings, in the eye of the Court of Law, from this moment forward. It’s official, folks!” Lanara whoops and leaps from the too tiny chair, as she knocks a paperweight off of the judge’s desk, merely adding insult to injury. She truly was a clumsy little elf! The present that Scandal had given to her earlier is now unwrapped, to reveal a lovely form-fitting gown, which was very much in style. It would be a perfect fit, too! Excusing herself to change into the new attire, she returns, the ebony fabric clinging to her slender frame, and ending just above her ankles. Pink heels peek out from the hem, though they enhance the look. She pulls Taly and Scandal into a group hug, delighted that they were officially siblings. “Let’s go celebrate!”

Scandal smiled as his sisters chose to keep their names, it be easier on him to remember, though Taly's would take some practice. He signed a couple of additional papers as well, before he left with his sisters in his arms. "Now, I am sure you to want to party, I found this little place, but we also have Whaler's and Lazy Eels' and of course, I know this fancy place along the eastern shore of Cenril, and they are good at keeping out drunk sailors, and preparing good food." He said, "You girls decide, cause the party is on me, where you want it tonight, whether we go from bar to bar, whatever you desire, tabs on me."

Talyara looks horrified as her sister, quite literally, rips the arm off of the small chair in order to fit her shapely rear into the seat. “Lana!” she hisses at her sister. “Stop acting up! This is like the time that we were in that restaurant you wanted to try only we couldn’t afford it so in order to distract them so we didn't have to pay the bill, you ripped the arm off the chair, threw it at the waiter, and ran into the kitchen screaming about our choking grandfather!” It had been quite a chaotic scene in which Taly had to explain to the very confused hostess that they had a family emergency and needed to leave. Thankfully, Judge Manifred is preoccupied with the pile of paperwork in front of them and doesn’t seem to notice the destruction of the records room. After Talyara answers the question about her name, she gives her sister a sidelong glance when the animal empath mentions marrying the Sandman and becoming a Krawft. A small smile touches the corners of her lips as she rolls her eyes. Lana had always been -obsessed- with the famed tomb raider, Lara. When they were children, that was the game Lanara often wanted to play and the pair would grab all the blankets in the house and make forts and tunnels throughout the rooms in order for them to go exploring. The only downside was Lana -always- got to play Lara Croft and Taly was left to act as the evil spirits and creatures who protected the treasure. The younger witch quickly shakes her head to break herself out of her reverie as the judge pushes papers towards them all to sign and she claps her hands excitedly when they are officially, and legally, declared siblings! She laughs as she is gathered up in a group hug, wrapping her arms around Lanara and Scandal alike. As Lana unwraps her gift and scurries off to get changed, Taly does the same, pulling out a lovely lavender colored dress. As Lana returns looking as gorgeous as ever, in a slinky black number, the younger witch gives a teasing wolf whistle before retreating to the bathroom to change. Talyara rejoins them wearing the adorable gown, the skirt falling in tulled tiers down to her knees, a sheer lace overlay adding intricate details to the otherwise simple design. The bodice is cinched at the waist with a beaded belt and curves around her ample boson in a sweetheart neckline. A pair of wedged sandals adorn her feet, boosting up her height by several inches. As Scandal begins to list off the different places they could go to celebrate she hums thoughtfully. “I’d really rather -not- go to the Whaler, we don’t have the best track record there…” she reminds her siblings with a knowing grin. Hadn’t Lana assaulted the owner with a fish sandwich the last time before the sisters ended up bringing a violent mod to Scandal’s construction site?! “I’m fine with any of the other places though!"

Lanara scoffs at Talyara as she mentions the theatrics of their youth, giving her signature eye roll, followed by a mischievous smirk. “Little did they know! Grandpa is a squirrel!” A bark of laughter escapes the brunette, as the judge hurriedly gathers up the papers and ushers them out the door. He looks as though he’s ready to quit, and they were only his –first- case of the day! A dragon, two elves, replacing the previous judge’s position, and having to rectify the damage to the records room?! This was the worst first day of any job, ever! There was a bottle of champagne on his desk that he was saving for just this occasion; however, he thinks it best not to open the bubbly. The last thing he needed was a trio of drunkards on his hands. He could barely handle them sober! After the group hug and each woman momentarily parts to change into fancy attire, Taly returns, and Lana gives her sister’s dress a lingering gaze, envious of that bosom which is always so pronounced. “You look amazing, as always!” Yes, Lana was all about that bass, though she clearly lacked a magnificent treble. Scandal obviously had these dresses designed with each sister in mind, as Lana’s had a decent push-up bra, and hugged her ghetto bottom with ease. She hopes that Taly won’t spill out of hers though… Arm in arm, the legally pronounced siblings exit the courthouse, and at the same time that Taly utters an adamant –NO- to the Whalers, Lana gives a resounding –YES- before they both erupt into a fit of giggles. For sister’s, they were similar in their magic and somewhat in appearance, though personality-wise, they couldn’t be more different. “Let’s do the Lazy Eel Lounge!”

Scandal looked between his sisters and smiled. "Ah the fun and lively place without sailors, splendid." He said with smile. As he walked with them he also added. "So I was thinking around the start of the new year I was going to hold a little party at a gazebo on the lake at my house in Venturil. I was thinking with family, close family, some food, a little boating and swimming, What do you think?" He said eyeing them as they moved toward the lounge. As they turned on to street, Scandal first cast an eye to the entrance of the Cenril Narrows, one of the poorest sections of town, already the coral castle structures glowing sign was blinking, (Is open, Is Open). A tall feline stood at the entrance wearing a black muscle shirt, and black pants. He eyed the each of the guests in the small line. As a strange eel like male wearing a suit examined a list. Its large eyes falling upon Scandal. "I was figuring you'd show up, so i put you on the list. Three Scrathulclaws, Bert let them in." As Scandal entered he noted the felines at the bar, the mermaids in the pool, and the diverse other species about the tables and some watching the multispecies show girls on the stage. In a corner one might even find some razurath dealing a black jack table while a couple lycans placed bets. A sign hangs on the ball, *Be Yourself, don't hide what or who you are, we welcome you, we are not humans here.* Scandal looked at his sisters, "Good thing we are not humans, huh?"