17 - Up to the Proposal

//--GM
How will you handle your day ahead? A look in the mirror confirms that your face is looking back at you, aside from a small beauty mark to the left of your chin. [;-)] Is there any work you still intend to put off? Assuming you will still meet her, how do you dress for your meeting with Miss Linna?

//--Helena
I will not put off anything (unless there is some big public announcement I've forgotten). As our meeting is over lunch, and I don't think I _have_ other meetings, I shall dress relatively unofficially in a fine dress suit of Chaosian styling with a long, comfortable jacket and no pins of office.

//--Linna
With no pressing announcements to arrange, your day arranges much as you wish. Miss Linna arrives dressed professionally and well, with a long skirt, fine blouse, and neat corduroy jacket.

//--Helena
I will order a catered lunch brought in for us, and take the meeting in the sitting room on the first floor at the back, overlooking the garden -- a work just barely in progress at this point, but relaxingly natural even so.

//--Linna
Linna compliments you, first on the progress of your garden, and then on your apparent health. "I had heard that you took some leave to visit family; it clearly served you well."

//--Helena
"Family and friends," I smile, reminded of the many joys of that short visit rather than its trials. "And a... man I know there? He has come back with me, a new thing in our relationship. I am very pleased." I share my frank and honest happiness in this.

//--Linna
"It has become serious between you, then? Aside from personal curiosity, I... well, I confess to having some daydreams of adding 'wedding planner' to my resume. Most families have their own ideas," and she shudders at some memory of tormented bridesmaids, no doubt.

//--Helena
"Quite serious, yes," I realize this is true, "and should there be a wedding in my future that takes place in Amber, I would certainly consider your assistance invaluable."

//--Linna
She smiles, and you sense that it is not just ambition that spurs her happiness this time.

After settling and laying open her satchel, "I was surprised to hear that you wished to move up our meeting, but my preparation was largely done. I hope you find it to your satisfaction." Her plan is quite detailed, and well arranged. The theme is interesting without being overly involved, and does not require much 'costuming' or exotic catering. "Are there any featured guests from Chaos to consider in the timing of events?"

//--Helena
"That I do not know. Most likely a senior representative of the House, but I will have to hold that aspect a while longer. I have moved up our meeting to let you know of my additional appointment, as Ambassador to His Majesty from the Courts proper. That appointment was confirmed by our King during my visit home.

//--Linna
"Congratulations." And you can almost see her smile broaden at the prominence her work has gained with no effort on her part at all.

//--Helena
"That announcement and position is one I must keep separate from my work as a representative of House Jesby, but I did not know if it would change things at all.

//--Linna
"I will keep any poetry or pronouncements neutral, in case you discover some shift in your responsibilities, or some other necessary alteration of theme."

//--Helena
"Finally we are making arrangements to open a viewing house and residence in the (names district and street) area. Coordinating showings there, whether we are able to get enough done to have them incorporated in the Gala day's activities or will have to take appointments from attendees for future dates, I thought you should know of it."

//--Linna
"That is a beautiful neighborhood. I'm surprised you could find something there, and perhaps doubly surprised that it would require any work. Are your... Chaos dwellings so different?"

//--Helena
"It is not that, so much..." I tell her which house it is, specifically. "I gather it has stood empty for some time."

//--Linna
She shudders. "Indeed it has, poor man." Linna makes the sign of the Unicorn, as if to ward off some evil spirit. "I... I know a brave decorator or two, if you desire a referral."

//--Helena
I will pass the morning with yet more of the months of research this place requires of me -- now while there are relatively few scheduled demands is a good time to do so.

//--GM
One small interruption of the morning is the arrival of the former-officer-made-page, hand delivering a thank-you from Julian and a return message asking if there is "anything Arden can offer to your opening gala."

//--Helena
I admit him to my office, closing the doors, and sit down while he delivers his message. I reply, "Thank the Prince General for his generous offer and assure him that at this time we will be pleased enough to have his presence.

//--GM
"Certainly, Ambassador. He may come with a flower arrangement anyway, despite your word," said with a tired sort of smirk.

//--Helena
I glance down at the desk and back up at him, and speak to stop him before he goes. "At this point, I would guess that there is nothing I can do that would not make your situation worse, short of accidentally falling on Julian's blade?"

//--GM
"Frankly, ma'am, it beats a treason charge, which was the Prince General's offered alternative to this... promotion to the diplomatic corps." He shrugs. "I am done getting drunk over it, and I have no family, no wife and kids to be humiliated by it. Our 'kind Prince' even gave me a raise to go with the short pants, which kept me in rum quite nicely. Of course, now that drunkenness has lost its charm, I have to find something else to spend my coin on." He almost asks for suggestions from you, but probably doesn't want to make you feel any more off about his situation.

//--Helena
"Retire," I say, suddenly bold. "Take a position here, on behalf of King Random, if you can work it. Tell His Majesty you have an in, here. And if you need some words for the Prince General, be his spy; tell him the addled Ambassador went soft for your plight, and offered you a pity position. In truth, someone who knows the trade routes of Arden would be of great benefit to us."

//--GM
"Begging you pardon, ma'am, but you must be a bit addled to do such a thing. I daresay you don't even know my name. What makes you think I wouldn't spy for the Prince General, if it got me my bars back?"

//--Helena
"I think you would. I have nothing to hide here, but he refuses to believe it.

"Of course, he may put you up to something more nefarious, but I sense you have a... knack for self-preservation that might make you defer or deflect such an order. It's just a thought, and a foolish and impulsive one at that.

"Send me your resume if you change your mind. I may take one look at it and grow back my sense."

//--GM
He stands as proud as his breeches will allow. "I was-- I am a scout, a woodsman, and a leader of men. That is my only claim to talent, but I once wore it well." Then, with a bit of bite beyond his pride, "If your embassy has need for my talents, I might see the Prince General's cause for concern."

//--Helena
"Mmm, yes, I take your point. A man such as yourself providing assistance and security for goods trains would be downright... embarrassing." I avoid the temptation to glance again over his uniform.

"Please, forget I mentioned it. It was a foolish gesture offered when I saw plain how you've suffered for interacting with me like a reasonable human being. I withdraw the offer, but not the apology."

//--GM
"I.... Shit." He stands stock still a moment, taking you at your word that the offer is withdrawn, and regretting it profoundly. Absent other word, he will turn and leave after a long moment.

//--Helena
I let him go. I am sure the Prince General will find some other opportunity to embarrass the man, and we can see then how he may have changed his mind.

//--GM
The next morning, there is no sign of Julian's 'page.'

After lunch together, Saras asks to borrow your Trump of Loren.

//--Helena
Of course he may.

//--GM
He returns it fairly shortly, with no word of his interaction. After a kiss and a small thank you, he turns to return to work.

//--GM
Meyani Honeir arrives for work half a day early, looking mildly distressed, but clearly trying to put on a brave face.

//--Helena
I let her in of course, and bring her back to the sitting room. "I'm very glad to have you here, Miss Honeir, or may I call you Meyani?"

//--Meyani
"Meyani, please, Ambassador. I am at your service, after all."

//--Helena
"And, Helena, then, at least here among ourselves.

//--Meyani
She blushes and nods. "I will try, Am... Miss Helena."

//--Helena
"I feel this project is past due getting started, and I am looking forward to your input."

//--Meyani
"What is your first concern?" she asks, straightening at the thought of getting right to work. She pushes stray hairs back behind her ears with both hands and then opens a slightly worn leather-bound notebook to record your needs.

//--Helena
"My first concern is your comfort with and understanding of this job. If it is not too personal, may I ask what prompted you to arrive early, and what distresses you?"

//--Meyani
"My cousin...." She swallows and starts again, her knuckles whitening in her grip on her binder. "My cousin asked that I leave, so she might... entertain. She deals with her mother's death... differently than I would." Meyani looks a little sick to her stomach.

//--Helena
"I'm sorry that there is death in your family, and that you cannot turn to each other yet for strength."

"I understand if you come to plunge yourself into work, but think on whether it would suit you better to take some time for yourself. When you are ready I will need you at your best; if waiting a while would clear your mind, then please, take the time."

//--Meyani
She looks a little misty. "I would wait, Miss Helena, but I have nowhere to go. I cannot afford an inn for as long as my cousin's... mourning might last. At least work keeps me from being 'underfoot,' as she so kindly put it." She swallows, steadying herself. "I can work, and I will not embarrass the Embassy, or you, I promise."

//--Helena
"There is an inn nearby, and a boarding house. Take this morning and find yourself a room, and charge it to the Embassy against your future salary. I will give you a note for it.

"Come, come on. One of the girls can go with you."

//--Meyani
She breaks down a bit, but eventually accepts your kindness. "I will come back when I am... collected, and let you know where I will be. Thank you, Miss Helena." True to her word, she returns later, better composed, and lets you know which room at the boarding house she has let. Will you let her take anything back with her to work on?

//--Helena
I will tell her the shape of my concerns...

1) Who I am. I think she should work this through the Crown and possibly the Lord General, to come up with their statement.

Saras, my {beloved}, and his arrival here. We can play this for the romantic angle in some markets; for him and his interplay with the retired soldiers from Benedict's forces that he will be working with in others.

2) My role with the others children of the blood, coming together against an outside threat. I will only speak around this one, telling her directly that I am not sure how much information will be released by the Crown, but that if they _will_ release it, or some semblance, the story could focus on others with my role in the background.

This could lead into some more information getting out about the structure of the Courts today. We may be able to finagle some interviews with King Merlin...?

3) Leaks about the upcoming Gala and about our purchase of the other property and about what the trade embassy will be offering; this has local and Golden Circle angles.

4) The dual roles for House Jesby and for the Crown.

There are others, but those are the ones I'm thinking of in the short term.

//--GM
Have you any plans for the evening?

//--Helena
Not particularly. Being with Saras. I should start getting recommendations for places we should visit, eat, drink, etc.

GM: Once Meyani has recovered from her family... issues, you'll find her to be very good at what she does.
Helena: What is her connection to Fiona, by the way? Is it very underground, or open?
GM: Family sponsor, once upon a time. Not very overt at all.

GM: Trump contact, some days later. Meyani has drafted some brilliant rumor-bits to release, on all fronts save your 'illness' (still negotiating). You're looking at the proposed 'leaks' when it comes
Helena: I put them aside and prepare myself. "This is Helena."
Alma: Alma, sounding mentally stronger than ever. "Hello, my beloved daughter. Are you hearing me all right?"
Helena: "Very well, Mother. It is good to see you." My smile and slight surprise are both genuine.
Alma: She seems emotionally bright, very happy... and maybe a little nervous. "I have something to ask you...."
Helena: I tilt my head. "Go ahead, of course."
Alma: "Your father has insisted that I choose one instead of doing both at once, so I must ask... would you prefer a brother or a sister?" Huge smile.

Helena: "Oh!" My whole face breaks into happiness. "I must come through." I hold out my arms to her.
Alma: She hesitates just a second, uncertain of her footing, and then pulls you through with both hands. You are in her chambers
Helena: I wrap her in a great hug, kissing her cheeks. "That is the best news... Well, the best news I have ever had."
Alma: "I wanted fraternal twins, but Loren said that was too much too soon. Wimp," she teases
Helena: "You must have them both if you want them, Mother. I will work on Loren, and you must, too."
Alma: "A brother and a sister, then?"
Helena: "That is what I would say. But it may be Father's caution is well-placed." I look at her seriously. "What do you really think?"
Alma: "I think I could birth a dragon with these hips." She laughs. She's not so much broader than you
Helena: I kiss her again, and put my hand on my own stomach, gesturing. "Inside? You feel well?"
Alma: "Very. I yearn for them, my daughter." A little regretfully, "To experience what I roiled through with you, in my own mind this time."
Helena: I nod, and smile, and put my forehead against hers and begin to cry, smiling all the time.
Alma: She sobs a bit herself, but still so very happy.
Helena: "I could not wish it to better. I love you, I love you both so much, and I..." It's enough. I hold her and cry with relief, and happiness and grief at once.
Alma: You sob together, healing so much in the sharing. She would only recover after you did.
Helena: I finally stop and have to wash my face, and drink some water, and tend to her. "Father must be so happy, and so afraid."
Alma: You share your recovery time. Alma nods, agreeing to both. "That is why he wants just one. But I want them to be together."
Helena: "I understand him. You will have to see if he can overcome his fear. But I would love to see these, brother and sister, growing together in the world."
Alma: "As long as you're here, will you talk to him? Ease his fears. You know how strong I am for this, better than anyone else."
Helena: I nod. "Of course I will. Do you wish to bring him here?"
Alma: "I'll get him."
Loren: They return, arm in arm. Loren says levelly, "What do you think of your mother's intentions?" skipping the usual pleasantries, but not too harshly
Helena: "I think she will make you the happiest man in the world, and me the happiest sister."
Loren: He looks at his ladies, and slowly concedes defeat. "You will have to visit more, you know."
Helena: I nod. "And eagerly, I will do that."
Alma: Alma smiles broader, expanding her victory grin, "What of you and Saras, Helena?"
Helena: "Not as much time has passed for us in Amber as for you here, recall. But I feel... I feel very certain about him. We have not discussed any arrangements; our lives there are full and very strange, and I worry a little about... making further commitment in that place. But I think it is what I want. We need time to discuss it together.
"He has not got less handsome." I grin.
Alma: Alma laughs.

Loren nods his approval at the pace you have chosen.
"You should marry here," Alma blurts, and Loren gives her a scolding look.
Helena: I blush and look down. "That would be my choice," I admit.
Loren: "When you are both ready," Loren admonishes.
Helena: "Yes, Sir. I would want nothing less."
Loren: "Then you have my blessing." He embraces you, and Alma hugs you both.
Helena: "I should take my leave. I departed without warning."
Loren: "Agreed." Loren straightens, disentangling you from Alma. "I will call with news soon."
Helena: I nod to him, and to Alma. "Thank you for calling me. I can't tell you... Well, I am so happy for you both, for us all.
"Father, are those Trumps of Saras complete?"
Alma: Alma kisses you once more while Loren goes to get them.
You feel a kinship with Alma beyond mother-daughter here, almost like what you imagined sisterhood to be like.
Helena: We knew each other well, and so much better now.
Loren: Indeed. Loren hands you a single Trump. "I believe I was to hold the other?"
Helena: I nod and accept it. "Yes. Thank you." I rise on tip-toe and give him a last quick kiss before concentrating on the image in the card.
Saras: Loren steps back to stand side-hug with Alma while you concentrate. Saras answers after a moment. "Helena?" He looks relieved that it's you.
Helena: "Yes, Saras, I am sorry to interrupt you. Alma had news that I could not wait for, and while I was here, Loren brought me your completed Trump. He has the other.
"Could I ask you to go to my office and bring me through?"
Saras: "Ah. Certainly." He leaves what he was working on - a bracelet of some kind - and makes his way to your office. "All right," he announces, offering his hand.
Helena: I give Loren and Alma a small, almost shy wave, and take my lover's hand. I go through.
Saras: On arriving, "I everything well?"
Helena: I cannot help but let my happiness beam forth in my expression. "So very well, Saras. Mother chooses to bear children. Two, I think she will try; a son and a daughter."
Saras: Saras is frozen a moment, and then beams. "Oh, what joy!
"Alma had so often wished...."
Helena: "She has. I know it has been my father's sadness for so long, too."
Saras: Saras nods. It looks like he means to say something, but then doesn't.
Helena: I hug him a moment, unable to contain completely my sharing of this. "I was lost in work when Alma called -- she contacted me. By Trump! -- what time has it got to?"
Saras: "It's only four. You have two hours, at least, unless you think they can get along without you."
Helena: I sigh, and release him, and head over to the door.
And lock it.
Saras: He raises an eyebrow.
Helena: With a slight flourish, I unclip and drag off my trousers, leaving my uniform shirt long, barely covering my nakedness.
I stride boldly over to him, pushing papers out of the way, and sit on the desk.
Saras: "Then they can manage a few hours, eh?" He begins to work his own fastenings.
Helena: "I think so."
I wrap my legs around his hips and my arms around his waist, and pull him towards me when he has barely stepped out of his pants.
Saras: He does not quite stumble against you, catching himself and you in a kiss.
Helena: I laugh a little. "There is too much happiness inside me not to share. Come find it."
Saras: "I will. Already I share some measure of it." He pauses, despite his clear readiness. "Do you wish what I have withheld?" he whispers.
Helena: I shake my head. "Don't ask that now. Let us celebrate what we have been given."
Saras: One word, without any regret. "Yes." And celebrate you do.
Afterward, while cleaning up, "Have you any desire for sleep?" Saras asks. From the lay of his trousers, you doubt he needs any.
Helena: "It's barely dark," I glance at the window and give a cat's grin. "I suppose we could have drawn the blinds." (at least it is only the interior courtyard)
Saras: "I thought we might repair upstairs, at least, now that most of the staff is gone."
Helena: "Many of the steps between here and there have not been christened.
"Though I suppose 'most of the staff' does not mean 'all.'" I give a mock frown. "Yes, upstairs it is."
Saras: Saras winks. "Send them home, Madame Ambassador."
Helena: "You tempt me to abuse my power?"

GM: Makkus is right outside; heck he might already have 'taken the hint'
Helena: I poke my head out the door.
GM: Makkus is gone (knowing you have his Trump). The place seems deserted.
Helena: I shrug back at Saras as I walk back in and pull on the rest of my clothes. "He's out, at least."
Saras: "Think he heard?"
Helena: "The room is sound-proofed for ambassadorial meetings. But suppose he might have some imagination."
Saras: "Hard to say with that one."
Helena: "Let's go upstairs. Even if everyone else is gone, security will rightly be lurking."
Saras: "Certainly." As he finishes buckling, "Has Hoss quit complaining about his new eye yet?"
Helena: "I didn't know you two had actually arranged that. He hasn't mentioned it to me."
Saras: "He still wears the bloody patch, the *insert choice expletives here*"
Helena: "It's very intimidating. Perhaps it is a fashion statement.

"Truly, does it pain him?"
Saras: Grumbling, "Fashion statement my scaly ass." Then, less roughly, "It shouldn't."
Helena: "If it does, then there is something worrisome there."
Saras: Saras sticks out his tongue at the absent man.
Helena: "Anyway, you can ask him about it when he catches us on the landing."
Saras: Saras spits and laughs. "Agreed!"
You rush up to make merry there, but end up un-caught.
Saras: "Where next?" Saras asks.
Helena: "Am I unable to sate you?" I question, grinning and blushing. "What further can I do?"
Saras: "I was finishing some small toys, were you game...."
Helena: My expression is a question mark.
Saras: "Let me get them," he politely suggests.
Helena: "As you say..." I let him go, my hand trailing down his arm.
Saras: He pauses as your fingers part. "I do not need such things, if you would rather continue as we are...."
Helena: "Go, incorrigible man. You can't mention a surprise and then not share it."
Saras: He smiles. "It is an old game, and I am not so confident yet." Then, decided enough, "Meet me in our room, or will you wait here?"
Helena: "Where will you have me? I could make snacks...?"
Saras: He stops at the end of the hall. "Yes, do! Our room, then. One game at a time!" And off he goes.
Helena: I laugh and shake my head, and pad down the hall to our quarters. I make an easy plate of good cheese and grapes and bread, and set out a bottle of wine. (how quickly does he come back?)
Saras: He's already there, in the bathroom. "Let me know when you are quit of your clothes, {beloved}," he calls.
Helena: "Um..." I quickly strip and tuck the clothes unceremoniously under the edge of the bed, and pull the remaining pins out of my hair and run my fingers through it, brushing in smooth. "Now?"
Saras: He emerges, wearing nothing. The bracelet he had been Working, and another like it, dangle from his fingers. They are not lke his ritual ones, seeming softer somehow.
Helena: I raise my eyebrows. "Okay...?"
Saras: He approaches, asking for your hands.
Helena: I grin, and sloowly hold out my hands, watching him warily.
Saras: He is direct and incautious, snapping them one and then the other around your wrists. "Turn 'round, please," he playfully instructs.
Helena: I do, holding him in my gaze until I am fully facing away.
Saras: He eases your hands behind you, and three links materialize between the bracelets. He then guides you toward the bed to sit.
Helena: I feel a line of heat rising from my groin to my belly as I let him guide me, trying to decide whether to fight or submit.
Saras: "You said you would not be sumissive again without help... so I made help." He grins.
Helena: "You think these are all you will need?"
Saras: "A few sashes for your ankles, you think?"
Helena: "Only if you're quick about it." I tuck my shoulders down and scoot back with bent knees. Suddenly my hands are in front of me again.
Saras: He goes into a drawer to find what he seeks, then turns to find you reversed. "Ah. I see!"
Helena: (can I slip a wrist out through one?)
GM: (nope - very comfortably snug)
Helena: I pause, my muscles on standby, watching to see what he will do next.
Saras: His free hand snaps out toward the links to catch you.
Helena: I hold there, waiting for him to lean forward...
Saras: He does, though he has baited you similarly in fencing
Helena: I half-stand in the bed, pulling back in the hopes of leaving him stretched face-down in front of me.
Saras: A sharp reversal puts a sash 'round both wrists and chain, but your strength advantage remains.
Helena: (He has only one hand close to my hands, or both?)
Saras: (Only one hand close - the other was committed to his feint)
Helena: I try to keep control of his nearer hand and get around behind him, but I'm guessing with his speed advantage he can prevent that... let's see where the attempt gets me, however.
Saras: Off the bed, with him backing up. He draws you a bit off balance, but not enough to risk bearing you to the ground.
Helena: I watch him, trying to judge his next move. With my hands together, he has slightly taken away my advantage...
I turn into him, suddenly, to try and get my shoulder under his underarm, and flip him over my body onto his back.
Saras: He tries to move, but - failing to release what purchase he had won - over he goes and down. *whoof*
Helena: Grinning, I stand behind his head, holding his one arm up straight and slightly back so that he would have to contend me in strength to gain his feet. "So, how's that working out for you?"
Saras: "As well as I imagined it might." He manages a strained laugh. "What need I offer for the return of my arm?"
Helena: "You have an advantage you haven't used. I thought you promised not to let me win anymore... Of course if you think I will be merciful, you're welcome to your delusion."
Saras: "I did not wish to be too much a tyrant, not knowing how you might react."
Helena: "I trust if I had objected you would have stopped."

Saras: "As you wish," he says, and you feel something happening in the bracelets.
Helena: I look startled and change my grip to one-handed, not knowing what the bracelets will ultimately do.
GM: You feel your strength diminish suddenly, but not enough to leave you weak-kneed.

Helena: I try to figure how I can move quickly enough to stay behind him and leverage that arm, now that I figure he can get himself up.
No bright ideas are coming...
Saras: His other arm moves as only a shapeshifter's can, sweeping your legs before you can get too set. You hit the floor rather solidly, but not so much so that your breath is stolen. Then he is upon you, pulling your hands over your head. He waits to see if you intend to headbutt him before considering stealing a kiss.
Helena: Too weak for the headbutt to do much good, I presume?
GM: Probably, but it might be semi-satisfying to try. *eg*
Helena: I consider it only if I can get it in before he's leaning in to kiss me... a) I need the distance, and b) I really don't want to smash his nose ;-)
On the other hand, he seems ready for that, so it's really more of a "still struggling" signal.
GM: Yeah, you could get it in quick enough. He turns his head so it stings both of you little.
Helena: I accept his kiss wolfishly, struggling with the unaccustomed weakness, starting to realize I can't throw him off.
Saras: He is rough, but not too rough. You think he means to toss you onto the bed after a moment or two of this.
Helena: The realization makes me both a little afraid and very, very aroused. To be completely in his power, to realize that I will soon know either more of what he wants, or more of what he wants to give me... whichever way he goes I am longing to learn.
I stare at him defiantly while my body aches with want. There may be a way yet to turn the tables.
Saras: He lifts you in stages, keeping you pinned close, drawing the sash tighter when he can. "You did not wish to be underestimated," he growls.
Helena: "This magic of yours is all that keeps me," I gasp back. "I wonder if it requires your concentration."
Saras: He chuckles. "How much distraction will you offer?" You are fully on the bed now, though he has yet to position you as he desires.
Helena: "However much it takes."
Saras: He laughs, though it comes out as more of a grunt. The sash he threads through the headboard to secure you, unless you try something here.
Helena: (can't think what... without the strength. I could get leverage with a leg, but that's only a delay.)
GM: (try, or no?)
Helena: (yeah, have to try... the only way I wouldn't is if it would be clear it would finish me for anything else)
Saras: You push, he turns... your hands come free for a moment, and then - seemingly out of nowhere - he produces a third ring for that ankle.
A cord of energy forms between ring and tailboard, drawing slowly tight
Helena: I'm left taut, breath heavy, with no place to go.
Saras: He smiles, showing teeth, overjoyed at the contest. "Are you mine now?" he asks, seeking your surrender.
Helena: "Yours. Yours and no other's."
It is a true surrender, in that it is grudging, but in being his... complete and willing.
Saras: He is gentler as the contest fades from his blood, but not so much that you cannot enjoy your predicament fully.
Helena: I give voice to my body's enjoyment, to the amazing need for him he has created in me.
Saras: After some vigorous lovemaking, he rolls next to you to offer bits of the snacks you brought up... not offering to untie you, of course.
Helena: I lay languid in my bonds, rosy with exertion, and eat from his fingers.
Saras: He acts as if this is the best part, though he would say no such thing.
Helena: There is no 'best part.' Every moment with him is the best part.

Saras: After an hour or so of this, he frees your ankle, and unties your wrists from the headboard, leaving the bracelets as they are. "That game has never been so sweet, my {beloved}."
He eases his head through the ring of your arms, so you are bound to easily kiss and be kissed, sitting on the bed.
Helena: "I have never let another... I trusted men with my life and death, but not that way."
Saras: "I am honored. I have risked my trust a few times...." He leaves empty that memory, replacing it with this new sweetness. "You are my everything, Helena. In this, in all things."
Helena: "This is perhaps... an unusual thing to say, sitting here like this. And what story we will tell when asked about it, I do not know." I look down between us, at the places where our bodies shine with sweat and meet and do not meet, and then back into his eyes. "Marry me, Saras. I want you to marry me."
Saras: "I will, Helena. I want you beside me for all time." He kisses you, so very passionately... like you were trading life between you.
Helena: I close my eyes in the kiss and return it, and let everything else go away.
Saras: You spend a long time so entangled. Do you ask release before morning?
Helena: Just to be able to lie in his arms and trace the shape of his heart.
Saras: Freed, in the first light of morning, Saras offers you a ring... the same engagement ring Loren proposed to Alma with almost a century ago.

Helena: I blink at him, at it, at him again. My hand shakes as I hold it out to him. "When?" I ask.
Saras: "Weeks ago... but I could not find the nerve. I am blessed that you would ask me... that you would trust me so."
Saras: He slips it onto your finger (thank the Serpent it fits!)
Helena: I'm speechless.