How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
One night, as they parted, Erik whispered something precious to Merle.
"Say that you will never leave me," he said, holding her hands.
"I shall never leave you," said Merle.
"Is it so easy to say?" Erik asked, surprised.
"It is, since it is you I speak of," Merle answered.
"I will never leave you. No matter what happens, or where you go, or what you do. I will never leave you."
"But it might not be so easy," Erik said. "Our love is forbidden. It might become impossible for us to be together."
Merle shook her head. "I will find a way," she said. "I will always find a way." (5.4.14-21)
The Merle of this story is super intense (and just a tiny bit crazy)—she will not be denied her chance to follow Erik(a) along on their journey together. Even if it means resorting to drastic measures.
Quote #8
I do not remember what happened first.
Whether it was a dog or a cow.
No. I do remember now. Strange how walking the journey once more brings back both shade and detail. (6.8.6-8)
The elderly Melle remembers what happened back in that winter when she was twelve-years-old and compares thinking through this experience to a journey. It's like a little adventure, but in your mind. That's okay, Melle. We wouldn't want to relive the whole vampire-uncle/dad thing again either.
Quote #9
Knowing her time was at an end, she lay down on the table.
People gathered around, but she still saw no one but the face in front of her, the face of Eirikr, her king.
She shut her eyes, and as the life sighed gently away from her, she finally answered his question.
"Yes," she whispered, "I will follow you."
And so, their journeys begin. (7.4.25-29)
And here it is: This happened in Merle's past, but it was still to come for the reader. Queen Melle agrees to follow King Eirikr in his mission to live seven different lifetimes, and she sets their story and their journeys in motion.