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Outlander Moments of Impact: You’re Coming with Me

Emotional intelligence can be defined as a person who is not only aware of other’s emotions, but engages them accordingly with empathy. It is not necessarily prevalent. It is especially not common among 18th century soldiers who are trained to remove feelings from action as they wage war. Desensitizing oneself is a matter of survival.

And yet…

One of the most fascinating and beautiful traits of Jamie Fraser is the depth of emotional intelligence he possesses.

A moment that beautifully showcases this awareness is from 1x1 “Sassenach” when Jamie corners Claire in the woods as she attempts to flee.

This wild warrior has a tender heart. He is sensitive to every feeling and every change within the woman who holds his heart. This attentiveness strengthens as he grows to know and love Claire more and more. However, he has been attuned to her from the very beginning.

Let’s break down the scene for some context, shall we?

As the highlanders are distracted during an ambush, Claire uses this as an opportunity for escape.

Frantically, she begins to run through forest. Without any sense of direction, she simply sprints to break free from the men holding her captive. All too soon, it becomes clear she has no idea where she’s going.

However, suddenly, Jamie comes upon her as she is wandering. Approaching, he asks, “Lost your way?” and slides off his horse. (UH BABY J: she has literally fallen through time and has no idea where she is. ‘Lost her way’ is a grievous understatement)

Noticing he is covered in blood, Claire scolds Jamie, “I hope you’ve not been misusing that shoulder. You’re hurt.” Moved by his injuries, yet also trying to move the conversation away from her, Claire seeks to divert Jamie’s attention.

Sensing her carefully masked fear, he carefully approaches Claire almost as if she is a distressed doe he has stumbled upon in the woods. He makes an effort not to give her cause to fear him. He assures her he is quite fine, “This is isna even my blood; not much of it anyway.”

Claire bolts as if to run. Raising his sword to block her path, Jamie informs her, with an air of severe caution, “Dougal and the others will be waiting further up the stream. We should go.”

He finishes his warning with a nod of assurance. He is trying to communicate that she has no other option.

Claire stubbornly refuses, “I’m not going with you.”

In response to her declination and still in battle mode, Jamie heedlessly raises his sword to her throat, “Yes, you are.”

Mocking him, “Oh or you’ll cut my throat if I don’t?” She will not back down without a fight.

Immediately dropping the weapon from her neck, Jamie emphatically says, “Why no...”. The second he sees she feels legitimately threatened, he lowers his sword from a position of power and raises a gentler hand towards her instead.

Arm outstretched he states, “But…you don’t look that heavy. Now if you won’t walk, I shall pick you up and throw you over my shoulder.” Grabbing her and pulling her towards him, he looks at her dead on.

Giving her an ultimatum, he softly adds, “Do you want me to do that?” He searches all over her faces. Then gives her an unmoving, yet intimate stare.

Trying to jerk free, Claire responds, “No.”

Releasing her from his touch and with a humorous smile, Jamie remarks, “Well then, I suppose that means you’re coming with me.”

Complying, Claire walks past him towards his horse. Jamie stares after her, then follows.

At first glance this moment may seem to be a wee harsh. Jamie may even appear to be a bit brash. However, if you closely watch Jamie’s face and look into his eyes as he gazes upon this woman, you realize this moment is brimming with loving-kindness.

Why is Jamie doing this? Why is he “threatening” to pick this woman up and take her if she does not comply? Is it because he just wants to boss her and make her yield to his demands? NO.

Jamie does all of this because he knows full well what the other men would do if she was found in an escape attempt or if she continued on alone; he seeks to save her from further violence or harassment. He wants to protect her.

However, he does not want to take her by means of force at all. Therefore, he gives her the reality of the circumstances and asks, “Do you want me to do that?”

There is a lovely generosity to that consensual question.

He could have EASILY yelled curses at her for foolishly running away.

He could have EASILY called her slanderous, degrading names.

He could have EASILY roughly grabbed her and forced her along without a word.

He could have EASILY knocked her out and then taken her.

He could have EASILY picked her up without warning and slugged her with him.

But he does NONE of this.

Warning her of the cruel greeting to meet her if she does not come with him, he speaks to her firmly, but there is still a warmth to his voice. It is subtle, but it is there.

He wants her to come willingly with him. Yet, he will not risk her safety at the expense of her cantankerous spirit. He will intervene for her own good if she is being a danger to herself.

He knows she’s scared. He knows she’s bewildered. He knows she’s uncomfortable. He can sense her feelings. He sees them all.

So he desires that she stay close to him that he may safe-guard her from any and all harm.

In this moment, as he pleads with her to go with him, Jamie is almost saying: “I know you are terrified. I see right through the brave front you’ve put up. Please. Come with me so you do not have to experience what will happen if you do not. Come with me and I will keep you safe.”

Knowing her for mere hours, already a protective heart emerges: a shield of tender strength for this mysterious, lovely stranger who will soon snatch his heart and never return it again.

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