[ As he waits for her reaction, he notes how it feels as though his heart has lept up to lodge itself firmly in his throat. With one word, she could cut down all his hopes and desires for the future- their future. But with another, she could make him the happiest man alive. The letter she wrote him seems to confirm that she desires a future with him, but he still cannot hold back the fear that threatens to firmly grip onto him as he waits.

He notices immediately that she is crying, and he fears that he has offended her, even hurt her somehow. ]

If this is not what you wish or what you desire, you... You do not have to accept.

[ He imagines not for the first time that perhaps someone whom she truly loves is out there waiting. But how does that explain the words she wrote to you? A small voice counters that thought. She strikes him as far too honest to even consider trying to placate him with pretty words and false promises. That does not seem in keeping with her nature, and so he refuses to accept it. ]

If I have upset you, I am sorry.

[ He does not have time to respond further, because suddenly, she is pressing herself against him, face buried in his chest. He sees her nod, and that is the precise moment when his heart leaps up yet again, not into his throat, but simply out of sheer joy and exhilaration that she has accepted. ]

K'lantaa. [ He takes one step back, but only so that he might reach for her to attempt drying her tears. ]

Please, if you will allow me the honor. [ He reaches for the box still holding the ring as he lowers himself to the ground until he is resting on one knee.

If she relinquishes her hold on the box, then he will reach for one of her hands so that he is holding it with one hand and the ring with the other. ]