The proposal

[Lady Edfeil]

*She could nae say it had been unexpected. Though she'd nae expected it that day. She had been speaking with goodman Sithicus about the past day when Sir Dorian approached her with a request to speak to her. She'd offered privacy or formality, but he needed either when in words more eloquent than some would have expected from a man of steel, he nae addressed her but goodwoman Sarah and asked her iffen she wished to become his wife. There was little doubt about her reply, there were many words yet those that he had wished to hear most were amongst them. And then as a knight of the realm he asked her permission to wed. In truth it was nae even possible for her to make him worry over her reply. It was well known by all she'd been praying and hoping for the match that had sparked within her friend what she had been wishing to see kindled for years. So permission was granted and soon afterwards both retired, nae doubt to make plans as to the ceremony.
They were barely gone or she motioned Sithicus closer. Mayhap it was something she should have discussed with Dorian first, but a sudden fear had clasped around her heart. What if anything happened to Sarah? But scant minutes before that the man had sworn to her once more his sword and loyalty. Now she asked for it, nae for herself, but to use the means at his disposal.. to add an extra layer of safety around goodwoman Sarah. Naught would touch her. Ever.

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

It had never been a matter of finding the courage to do so, but he had wished for the timing to be right. He had known the moment that he had fallen in love with Sarah that he had wanted to spend his life with her...that he wanted her not as a friend, but as his wife....he wanted to share everything with her. So long, had it been, since he'd had a reason to smile...to laugh....to have those feelings that were natural between a man and a woman...and Sarah was the reason for those feelings. He'd still not know just how it had happened, but the day she had fallen from Portia and lay unmoving....when he'd thought he lost her...he knew that he loved her and a bond had been formed between them. Though she was a very pretty woman, both in face and form, it was her heart that he loved...her compassion, her tenderness, her honesty. He had taken a knee and made his proposal in front of the Queen...every bit of what was in his heart for her had gone into those words, and when she'd accepted, he knew a joy that he'd not felt in many years. The Queen had given her consent, and now....though with Sarah being of age and unrelated to him, it was not required...he would seek her father's permission to wed her. He was of the old ways and would never wish Sarah, or any of her family, to think that he did not treasure her above any other.

They had made the time to take a trip to the Village so that he could ask that question...Sarah's family had made the move to Windstorm recently, and were in fact, now living in the house that Sarah had rented when she had first come to Windstorm. He had located the owner and made him a good price some time ago....just in case...and would have given then the house outright, but Sarah's father was a proud and forthright man, and would not have charity extended. Coin had no real value to him, save to purchase those things that were occasionally needed, and he spent frugally. The result was that he had all the coin he would ever need, and he would negotiate a fair price for the small cottage...though the money would never sit in his pockets. He had a number of ways that he could funnel the money right back to him...and he would....for the gift he had been given in the form of Sarah was a gift that no value could ever be placed on.

They'd arrived in the early afternoon and been warmly welcomed. Sarah's mother had hugged her fiercely and her younger sister had teased her...as little sisters often do...and her father had smiled to see her looking hale and hearty. He and Sarah's father had clasped hands warmly, and spoken a bit on the purchase of the cottage, as Sarah caught up with her mother and sister. He could see that her family thought this just a social call, but certainly they couldn't be missing the glances that were shared often between himself and Sarah. It was insisted that they stay, of course, and share the afternoon meal...which they were glad to do...and after the meal they settled into quiet conversation.

The afternoon was passing pleasantly, and they talked of this and that, sharing stories, jests, camaraderie, and laughter...but there was still that task that he had come to do. Quietly, when the opportunity presented itself, he spoke quietly to Sarah's father, asking if he could have a moment with him, in private. There was just that hint of a smile to his face as he agreed, and they stepped quietly to the door and stepped outside into the small yard to talk. He knew the words that he wished to speak, and they would not be rehearsed, instead letting them flow from his heart, brought forth by the love that he felt for Sarah....the pride that he had in her...the respect for her that would always be there.

And so it was that he began...."Some few weeks ago, I came to you in Caernarfon and asked your permission to court Sarah properly. In the time that has passed since then, the love that I have for your daughter has done nothing but grow, much as a carefully tended flower in a garden...and Sarah has spoken her heart to me and assures me that her love for me has grown in the same way. Only a few short days ago, I asked her....in front of the Queen...if she would consent to be my wife, and she agreed. Today, I come to you to ask you for your daughters hand in marriage...and I have not forgotten the promise that I made you. I will keep that promise, David...and I will make every effort to see that Sarah is always happy, and always know that she is loved, cherished, and respected...until the day that I draw my last breath..."

David had listened to his words silently, and for a moment, he thought he may not find him suitable to wed his daughter. It was only when the smile came to his face, and a hand was placed to his shoulder that he found that he could breathe again. "I can see the love in both your eyes, Dorian...I know my Sarah well, and I can see that she loves you...and that you love her. I will ask only one thing more beside what I asked of you in Caernarfon...and that is you never forget that she is precious to her mother and I...and never fail to show her that you love her. Treat my daughter well....or you will answer for it. With that said....you have my permission. Now...shall we go back inside where it's a bit warmer...and tell the rest of the family the news?"