I promise ye, lass, I'll keep ye safe. No one will harm ye." He grasped at...

I promise ye, lass, I'll keep ye safe. No one will harm ye." He grasped at anything he could think of to dry up her tears. "I offer ye the protection of my body and my sword arm for as long as we bide together. And any time ye might have need of them after."
Her whole frame shuddered with a silent sob.
"Please, lass." He stroked her from the crown of her head to the base of her spine. She shivered under his touch, so he didn't do it again. "Elspeth, sweetheart, ye dinna have to cry so.