Oh, Claire, Ye Do Break My Heart

Alright, All Right," I Said. "what If I Tell You A Story, Instead?" Highlanders Loved Stories, And Jamie Was No Exception. "oh, Aye, " He Said, Sounding Much Happier. "what Sort Of Story Is It?

You Are My Courage, As I Am Your Conscience," He Whispered. "you Are My Heart---and I Your Compassion. We Are Neither Of Us Whole, Alone. Do Ye Not Know That, Sassenach?

I'll Scream!" "likely. If Not Before, Certainly During. I Expect They'll Hear Ye At The Next Farm; You've Got Good Lungs.

We Have Nothing Now Between Us, Save - Respect, Perhaps. And I Think That Respect Has Maybe Room For Secrets, But Not For Lies.

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.