We Are Bound, You And I, And

And When My Body Shall Cease, My Soul Will Still Be Yours, Claire? I Swear By My Hope Of Heaven, I Will Not Be Parted From You." The Wind Stirred The Leaves Of The Chestnut Trees Nearby, And The Scents Of Late Summer Rose Up Rich Around Us; Pine And Grass And Strawberries, Sun-warmed Stone And Cool Water, And The Sharp, Musky Smell Of His Body Next To Mine. "nothing Is Lost, Sassenach; Only Changed." "that's The First Law Of Thermodynamics," I Said, Wiping My Nose. "no," He Said. "that's Faith.

Blood Of My Blood," He Whispered, "and Bone Of My Bone. You Carry Me Within Ye, Claire, And Ye Canna Leave Me Now, No Matter What Happens, You Are Mine, Always, If Ye Will It Or No, If Ye Want Me Or Nay. Mine, And I Wilna Let Ye Go.

Do You Know,' He Said Again Softly, Addressing His Hands, 'what It Is To Love Someone, And Never - Never! - Be Able To Give Them Peace, Or Joy, Or Happiness?' He Looked Up Then, Eyes Filled With Pain. 'to Know That You Cannot Give Them Happiness, Not Through Any Fault Of Yours Or Theirs, But Only Because You Were Not Born The Right Person For Them?

If Ye Loved Him, He Must Ha' Been A Good Man.' 'yes, He...was.' 'then I Shall Do My Best To Honor His Spirit By Serving His Wife.

The Past Is Gone-the Future Is Not Come. And We Are Here Together, You And I.