There comes a turning point in intense physical struggle where one abandons oneself to a profligate usage of strength and bodily resource, ignoring the costs until the struggle is over. Women find this point in childbirth; men in battle.
Diana GabaldonAt last I took one big, callused hand and slid forward so I knelt on the boards between his knees. I laid my head against his chest, and felt his breath stir my hair. I had no words, but I had made my choice. "'Whither thou goest,'" I said. "'I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried.' Be it Scottish hill or southern forest. You do what you have to; I'll be there.
Diana GabaldonAn Englishman thinks a hundred miles is a long way; and American thinks a hundred years is a long time
Diana Gabaldon...sitting and waiting is one of the most miserable occupations known to man - not that it usually is known to men; women do it much more often.
Diana GabaldonWe have nothing now between us, save - respect, perhaps. And I think that respect has maybe room for secrets, but not for lies.
Diana GabaldonThe rest of the journey passed uneventfully, if you consider it uneventful to ride fifteen miles on horseback through rough country at night, frequently without benefit of roads, in company with kilted men armed to the teeth, and sharing a horse with a wounded man. At least we were not set upon by highwaymen, we encountered no wild beasts, and it didn't rain. By the standards I was becoming used to, it was quite dull.
Diana Gabaldon