His other big hand rose to settle on her other shoulder, both squeezing with a steady strength--lending it to her, willing her to understand his purpose in being there.

"I can only see the mark of death--the future of it ain't mine to see." he replied, gentleness entering his tone, along with that hint of a southern drawl. "I strive to bring comfort in the warning."

He paused, lifting one hand off her shoulder to catch her chin and gently tip her head up so he could look her in the eye. That gentleness was in his expression now, full of an honest, earnest sympathy and sorrow on her behalf.

"If that be a safe shoulder on which to shed those tears of grief, little soul, then it's here. I'm here...and I will be until the last moment. You will not face this alone."