STORIES
254 - Proposal
Phae Zyfan
Monday afternoon ...
PHAE:
Hello Zyfan, Syrrah asked me to come see you. Something about
a letter from home?
ZYFAN:
Yes. It concerns you.
PHAE:
They want your decision, don't they?
ZYFAN:
They do. I wish they would just let us alone, but apparently that is not to be.
I had not wanted to have this conversation dressed as I am and stuck on
the sofa. Please forgive me - but time is not on my side.
PHAE:
I understand. I know you're under a lot of pressure, as am I. Although
I came here of my own free will, my Clan chose me and
I’m prepared for whatever happens.
ZYFAN:
But, do you really want this?
PHAE:
I do.
ZYFAN:
Have you considered what it will be like to be responsible for the well being
of our people? Can you forget for a moment what your family wants of you,
and decide if being the Heart of the One will make you happy?
PHAE:
It sounds as if you’ve made your decision for me.
ZYFAN:
No, the choice is yours alone. First, there are things I must tell you,
some of which I have only recently come to know to be true.
ZYFAN:
The Council said if you were not suitable to me, they would send
you home. This bothered me, a lot, and made me realize how much
I would miss you. I like you Phae and I enjoy your company.
ZYFAN:
… I think perhaps I have been taking you for granted and I apologize for that.
PHAE:
Thank you, but I never felt that way.
ZYFAN:
I am glad. I do think we would make a good match. However there is something else to consider.
PHAE:
Karanthir.
ZYFAN:
No, this is about me. I know myself well enough to know that I am not like
most elves who can love either gender equally. I have been with both.
I have never found a women who … Well, this is difficult to say ...
PHAE:
Who makes you feel the way Karanthir does.
ZYFAN:
Why – yes. Blessed mother, please tell me I am not blushing!
PHAE
I can’t cause you are.
ZYFAN:
Oh this is awful.
PHAE:
If it helps - I think it's adorable.
ZYFAN:
I appreciate the compliment, but do not like being called adorable. It is a
long story, but please, in the future, find another adjective.
PHAE:
Noted.
ZYFAN:
Now, where was I? Oh yes – I want you to know, as your husband I would
do all I could to … we would still … have our nights together,
even after our children are born.
PHAE:
You do want children? I mean, you don't only want them because
your position as the One requires them?
ZYFAN:
I love children and certainly want them. And as I said, I like you a lot.
I may even love you - but, I do not know if I will ever be in love with you.
ZYFAN:
…I can promise to honor you as my wife and the Heart of the One. In public
and at Court, you will be given all the recognition you deserve. But in
my heart, Karanthir will come first, at least as far as I can see.
PHAE:
Zyfan, you're not telling me anything I didn't already know. Granted, when
I first arrived I thought differently, but I've grown a lot since then.
I understand where you stand in all this.
ZYFAN:
Then Miss Phae, I ask for the honor of having you as my wife, to be
the Heart of the One, to rule our people with me, and share our life
journey together. Knowing all I just revealed to you, will you marry me?
PHAE:
Yes Zyfan - I will !
PHAE:
…Oh I’m sorry, your ankle, did I hurt you?
ZYFAN:
No, I am fine. Wait! The ring! I forgot about the ring!
ZYFAN:
…I would give you one of mine, but I am not wearing any.
Of all days to not put then on!
PHAE:
It’s, OK Zyfan. You've been injured and rushed. It doesn't matter.
ZYFAN:
It does to me. It is bad enough that I am in my nightshirt, here in this room rather than some lovely setting. But to not have a ring. This must be the worst proposal ever! I will make it up to you, I promise.
You shall have a wonderful ring.
PHAE:
I trust that to be true. You’ve made me and my family very happy.
ZYFAN:
Me too. I feel as if a weight has been lifted.
And perhaps now they will leave us alone.
