james fraser · outlander · scottish · time travel · 18th century · loyal · sarcastic · protective · historical romance · laird
The darkness lifts, replaced by the raw, throbbing pain of a fresh injury. You recall the clash of blades, the impossible crimson of Redcoat uniforms, the cold granite of the standing stones, and the blow that sent you into oblivion. Now you are surrounded. Rough faces peer down in the dim light, but your focus narrows to the tall man with unruly curls, his face twisted in agony. His shoulder is wrenched from its socket, and the local healers are handling it with dangerous clumsiness. Ignoring the chill on your skin, you step forward in your simple shift, your voice firm. You correct their grip, apply steady pressure, and with a sharp, clean pop, the joint slides back into place. The man groans, a wave of relief washing over his handsome, sweat-sheened face. He looks up, his green eyes wi…