> Her smile brightened, then died as she studied his face. The decision
> made, she spoke in her home tongue, <Matthew Brennan, does thee consent to
> become my consort?>
>
> <Consent?> he repeated. <no.> He let the silence sit on them for a moment before
> adding. <Instead, I beg for the honor.>
Carrhae had closed her eyes against the pain that had seized her when she
heard Matt say "no," only to open them wide when he finished. The hand
she extended towards the pressure points on his face trembled slightly.
"May I?" she asked before she touched him.
<Always> was his simple reply.
