The quote from Diana Gabaldon's "Voyager" reflects on the timeless nature of folklore and the enchanted experiences associated with the Highlands. It suggests that when people fall asleep in these magical places, they can enter a realm of fantasy where they dance with mystical beings known as the Auld Folk. This journey into the fairy realm is portrayed as a captivating escapade that feels fleeting but may actually consume two hundred years of the dreamer's life.
Returning after such a long absence, the individual finds their surroundings unchanged, despite the passage of time in the fairy world. This idea underscores the themes of time and reality, emphasizing the contrasts between the mundane world and the alluring pull of the supernatural. It serves as a reminder of how enchanting experiences can draw people away from their lives, only to return transformed and perhaps disoriented by the long absence.