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as you know, is a strong keep, but there were times when I thought that my mother and father would have it down around our ears by their violence. Yet surely you must see they love each other." |
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"You did not listen. It was not the quarrel that distressed me but what I felt before it. What did you hunt yesterday, Simon?" |
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He looked at her in considerable surprise but would not chance angering her again and answered simply, "A stag. We lost two before we finally killed. I could not divert those idiots no matter what I said. And then" |
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"I was sure it was a doe." |
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"There is no harm in taking a doe in this season," Simon said with a slight frown of puzzlement. "Do you have some special feeling about it, my love? I will swear, if you like, to hold does sacred." |
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"A two-legged doe, Simon," Rhiannon said pointedly, with a bitter twist to her lips. |
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Simon stared at her, his mouth partly open on further words that were not relevant. Then he laughed. "You are ridiculous! How could you dream such a thing? I had you the night before. I could look forward to loving you the very next night. Even if I felt such a desirewhich I assure you I did not; I am no satyryou must think ill of me indeed if you believe I could not master myself for so short a time." |
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"I do not think ill of you. In my mind I knew every word you have just saidand knew the words were true. Nonetheless, Simon, I suffered as cruelly as if you had betrayed me." |
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"I cannot bear it, Simon. I cannot! I absolve you of your oath. I do not wish to know or care" |
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"You cannot absolve me of my oath. If you wish to withdraw yours, I cannot stop you. And if I have you, it must be with honor. If I cannot have you, then I will remain celibate as a priest until I am too old to care, |
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