Vanye Alone
Lyrics: Maureen S. O'Brien, Nov. 1992
Music: ttto "Grey Rider", Mike Whitaker
Insp: C.J. Cherryh's Morgaine series

Once you rode this way alone, but then you Claimed my oath.
The burden of your endless quest you placed upon us both.
But burdens shared are lighter. And now that you are gone,
Grey Rider, I wish you'd taught me how you managed to go on.

I always knew these days would end in some far distant land,
But I assumed I'd be the one to feel the killer's hand.
I never thought you mortal till I had to watch you die.
Grey Rider, you never taught me how you managed not to cry.

I bear the shame forever of your rescue come too late.
I bear your hellsword Changeling which tells how to seal the Gates.
I bear the endless years of youth you gave me 'gainst my will.
(But) Grey Rider, the hardest thing to bear is how much I miss you still. 

I've loved no other woman, and it's seldom that I find
A friend that I am glad to meet and sad to leave behind.
But nothing lasts forever, and even Gates must end,
And someday, my Grey Rider, I'll ride with you again.