Legend of the Mord'Sith: Deception - Chapter 6 (1/2)
Pairing: Cara/Kahlan
Rating: M
Word Count: 8600
Author: Mistresserin
Beta: Fifi
Author’s Note: See chapter one for disclaimers. I have to honestly say that this has been the hardest chapter to write; there are so many ways I can go from here. I can’t say this is a fluffy chapter, but it made me smile a lot while I was writing it. Tell me what you think :)
Chapter Six
"Ah, how I miss Leona's sweet, sweet smile." Zedd had a permanent silly grin on his lips, his aged face dreamy and glowing, and a half peeled orange forgotten in his large, wrinkled hand.
Kahlan chuckled and adjusted herself on top of her horse. A glance to her right confirmed her suspicion, Cara was predictably rolling her eyes but she was amused; she could tell by the slight smile on her lips and her relaxed stance on her saddle.
They’d been traveling for almost three days now, and though there hadn't been any more incidents, the dynamics of the group had changed perceptibly and not entirely for the better. Richard kept trying to get close to her at any given chance, and though she wasn't exactly avoiding him, she did try to keep her distance. They were supposed to be giving each other time to think about their feelings; about their relationship, and while she understood that the fact that they travelled together made that task all the more difficult, it didn't mean it was impossible. Giving each other a break didn't mean they would stop talking, but it meant no more intimacy or holding hands, or behaving like lovesick birds.
Cara seemed to have noticed the Confessor’s discomfort at Richard’s barely concealed attempts to get close and have his way, again, because she now made a point of ridding close to the Confessor, leaving no room for Richard to try anything more intimate. It was impossibly endearing, but of course Kahlan could never tell her that. Well, at least not yet.
And of course nothing much got passed the old wizard, hence his attempt to lighten the mood with his youthful indiscretions.
"Wizard, stop torturing us out of our minds with your dirty tales!" Cara complained her voice somewhere between amusement and mild irritation.
Kahlan slapped her playfully on the arm and mock glared at her. Cara glared back, her lips twitching to hold back the smile that threatened to come out against her will.
"Dirty tales?" Zedd repeated, his wide blue eyes indignant.
"Yes! You've been pestering us since morning. Aren't you exaggerating a little on the number of…" Cara licked her lips and gave him a wicked glare. "…tales?"
Kahlan had to cover her eyes, her lips pursed to hold back the laughter.
"I was very attractive in my youth, young lady! Not my fault the ladies couldn't resist my charm." The old wizard boasted, winking at his amused grandson.
"Yes, wizard, we remember perfectly well how charming you were." Cara snapped, recalling the time he had been under a spell cast by Shota and returned to his youthful self. "And how troublesome too."
Kahlan shared an amused look with the blonde, enjoying the easy banter, something that had been sorely missing for the last few days.
"You'd make a particularly cruel Mord'Sith, torturing people’s minds like this." Cara grumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.
"And I would excel at it!" Zedd smiled at her, not taking the bait. "And still look better than you in red."
Cara snorted.
"I didn't know you favored red leather, Zeddicus." Kahlan teased him gently, the low chuckle coming from so close making her grin.
"Yeah, Zedd, is there something we should know?" Richard smiled at his grandfather.
Zedd huffed and stared straight ahead. “I’ll have you know I have the perfect lean body to fit in those leathers and look good in them.”
Cara winced visibly. “Creator, save us from the visual horror…”
Kahlan laughed softly, unable to stop herself. It felt so good to laugh after what seemed like forever; she would have to thank Zedd later. She watched from the corner of her eye as Richard snickered and followed his grandfather’s mount, but not before sparing one longing glance over his shoulder.
She looked away quickly; she didn’t want to hurt his feelings, and she was trying to keep in mind that his recent behavior was something he probably had no control over, but she was tired of not having her wishes respected. Besides, she had the stubborn Mord’Sith to worry about, and her recently developed inability to heal properly. “Are you all right?”
“Fine.”
Zedd kept trying to heal her every day, and though he wasn’t exactly ineffective, the results were far from satisfactory. At least now the wounds on her arm and leg had a healthier look; her ribs were still sore, though not as bruised, and the lump on her head wasn’t as swollen. And despite the dark bags under her vibrant eyes and unusually pale face, she did look a little better today.
It was Kahlan’s turn to roll her eyes; she knew something was bothering the blonde - it had been for some time now, and she couldn’t quite hide it from her anymore. Even Zedd mentioned the day before, when he was sure the blonde was asleep, that she’d been brooding more so than usual.
She should talk to her about it, she knew, but she also knew the stubborn blonde would deny anything was bothering her. She let out a resigned sigh. “This village we’re stopping at has a pretty good herbal market. I’m sure we’ll find something there to help you sleep.”
Cara turned her head abruptly and glared at the Confessor. “I sleep just fine, Confessor.”
“Cara,” Kahlan guided her horse closer, “you’ve been having nightmares almost every night for the past weeks, and I know you remember them.”
Cara returned her attention to the road ahead, pointedly ignoring her. She didn’t exactly remember them, just bits here and there that made no sense at all. Whatever it was, however, was enough to force her awake, covered in a cold sweat, a strangled cry trapped in her throat and more often than not, her breathing ragged.
Kahlan sighed, disappointed. She had been trying for days to get Cara to talk about it, to open up, but the woman simply ignored her. At least she didn’t shy away when she offered her comfort after her night terrors, and strangely enough, Cara rarely had any nightmares whenever they shared a bedroll. Maybe she should just make it a permanent arrangement.
“And I suppose you want to check this market?” Cara changed the subject, effectively dismissing Kahlan’s concerns.
Kahlan tensed her jaw, exhaling softly. “Yes, I would like that. You can stay at the tavern with Zedd.”
Cara’s head whipped in her direction, her lips pursed. “I’m not staying behind with the wizard! He’ll torture me to death with his dirty tales!”
“Cara, you keep having fever bouts when we least expect them, remember?” Like the night after they left the village, when they stopped for the night and Cara almost collapsed in her arms after dismounting her horse. The stubborn thing had kept quiet about her condition until her own body betrayed her and took matters into its own hands. “And your leg…”
“I can handle a little walk, Confessor!” Cara cut her off sharply. This not healing thing was really starting to get on her nerves and if she ever found out she was under a spell, she was going to hunt the bastard down and kill him slowly, so very slowly. “And I’m not leaving you alone and unprotected!”
“I can very well defend myself!” It was Kahlan’s turn to glare.
“I am aware of that, Mother Confessor, but Lord Rahl entrusted me with your protection - it’s my duty,” Cara said in that low, kind of growling tone of hers that left no room for discussion.
Kahlan rolled her eyes, exasperated - sort of.
##
Kahlan deliberately kept a leisurely pace, her hands itching to wrap themselves around the stubborn Mord’Sith’s arm, and offer her support to the slightly limping blonde; she shouldn’t be straining her leg like that! But she knew Cara would never accept that kind of gesture publicly, not with Zedd and Richard just a few paces ahead of them. They’d been walking for almost a candle mark now, checking the several stalls for supplies, and Kahlan wondered if the stubborn woman would ever relent and ask to stop for rest. She knew she wouldn’t, so when she spotted a stall full of bright, fresh flowers right next to a flight of uneven stone stairs, she grabbed Cara’s wrist and led her to it, hoping the woman would take a breather and sit down for a moment, while she indulged herself in checking the beautiful flowers - she really liked flowers.
“Kahlan, what are you doing?” Cara growled, trying to get her to stop, but it was too late; they were already upon the flower stall, her nose twitching.
“Don’t worry, Cara, I’m not offering you flowers. I know you don’t like them.” Kahlan grinned at her, her blue eyes sparkling with mirth as she pulled her closer to the stone stairs. “I remember poor Leo giv-” she stopped abruptly when she realized what she was about to say, her smile vanishing instantly. “Cara, I’m sorry.” Kahlan moved closer, her hand slowly traveling down to hold the leather covered one in a soothing gesture. “I didn’t mean…”
“It’s fine.” Her voice was soft, softer than either expected, her eyes surveying the colorful stall.
“Cara…”
“It’s fine, Kahlan, really.” Cara insisted, her eyes serious. She removed her hand from Kahlan’s grasp, a little unnerved by the gesture, and crossed her arms across her chest, her hips canted to the side to take the weight off her left leg. “Leo and I were nothing more than friends with benefits.”
“You cared for him.” Kahlan was aghast that even after all this time, Cara was still reluctant to admit it.
“I did.” Cara smiled genuinely at the look of shock on the Confessor’s face at the admission. Heh! “I wouldn’t call him a friend if I didn’t care for him, but that’s all he ever was and we both knew it; we could never be anything else.” Ever.
“Oh!” Kahlan searched the green-blue eyes so close to hers, finding herself surprised for the second time in such a short time, that Cara’s eyes were unexpectedly unveiled, open to her probing gaze like never before; she was telling the truth about Leo. “So when he gave you that flower…”
“He was mocking me.” Her nose twitched again as she looked around, looking as bored as ever.
“Mocking you?” Kahlan repeated, disbelief coloring her voice.
Cara returned twinkling eyes to the Confessor’s attention. “Yes, he… somehow got me to admit that the reason I hate flowers is because they make me sneeze.” She licked her lips in anticipation, hoping Kahlan would ask how he had discovered that particular weakness; she wanted to see that cute blush.
“Ah!” Kahlan had to chuckle a little at that. It was such a common predicament to so many people, especially women, and yet it was something she would never associate with Cara - ever. She wanted to ask how Leo had managed to yank that tidbit of information out of her, but the wicked glint in the Mord’Sith’s bright blue eyes stopped her. She cleared her throat, the low chuckle reaching her ears. “I would’ve never guessed that.” Kahlan returned her attention to the stall, carefully looking at the different flowers to keep from showing the affectionate smile - Cara would not appreciate it, not with all the villagers around them.
“Mm.” Cara’s nose twitched again and this time she had to close her eyes tightly to keep from sneezing. “Can we please get out of here before I make a spectacle of myself?”
Kahlan chuckled and recaptured her hand, dragging her away from the stall, only to stop short at the unfortunate nasal voice calling out to them.
“Ladies! I can’t believe you’ll leave these beautiful flowers behind to wither under this hot sun!”
Cara smirked, her eyes fixed on Kahlan, and slowly turned around to face the owner of the voice.
The man was grinning wildly at them, his two front teeth missing and his appearance unkempt. The grin, however, disappeared slowly as fiery green eyes pinned him with a hard stare. The man swallowed hard, unable to shift his eyes from the dangerous woman staring him down. Cara held him with her glare until he was squirming visibly.
“Cara…” Kahlan warned softly, squeezing her hand in a gentle plea.
Damn Confessor, with her damn righteous kindness! Never let her have any fun… “We don’t want any flowers.”
“Y-yes ma’am.” The merchant nodded furiously, slowly taking a step back. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Cara lifted her chin, a blonde eyebrow lifting in barely concealed arrogance and nodded at him.
‘Sorry!’ Kahlan mouthed to the man, standing behind Cara. The man gave her a weak, grateful smile as he watched her drag away the dangerous woman clad in red. “He almost peed himself, Cara!”
“Mm… I’m losing my touch then; he should be soaked at first glance,” the Mord’Sith replied, a serious look on her face, but her eyes betrayed her good humor.
Kahlan tried to scowl, but couldn’t hold it for long and started to chuckle, stopping just a little ahead of the stall. She turned around to look at the blonde, a smile playing on her lips, slowly letting go of the hand she was holding, and presented her with a clover. “It’s for you.”
Cara frowned, honestly confused. “You’re giving me a weed? Why? What does it do?”
Kahlan grinned at her, her dimples showing. “It’s not a weed, it’s a clover - a four leaf clover. It’s for good luck.”
Bewildered, Cara blinked at her and accepted the clover without really thinking about it.
Kahlan stepped a little closer and leaned in, close to her ear, as if to whisper a secret. “I know you’re not a flower kind of woman and I’m quite confident this won’t make you sneeze.”
Cara’s surprised blue eyes drifted from the frail looking weed in her covered hand to the smiling face so close to hers. The shiny blue eyes of the Confessor were bright with mirth and affection, and Cara felt herself slowly drowning in them, helpless to resist the emotions this woman stirred so deeply in her.
“Why are you holding a clover?” Richard’s amused voice broke the moment.
The butterflies fluttering wildly in her stomach were not pleased with the interruption as Kahlan forced herself to tear her eyes away from the striking blue pools of the Mord’Sith. Richard had always had a knack for interrupting at the worst possible moment, especially if she was alone with Cara, and now she was beginning to wonder if he wasn’t doing it on purpose. “I was just telling Cara that four leaf clovers are considered omens of good fortune. If you find one, you should always give it to someone else, as a sign of goodwill.”
He nodded in understanding and smiled softly at her. “In Westland, clovers are considered weeds. I suppose I’ll just have to tell them about this story.” Kahlan gave him a small smile, still unhappy for the interruption. “Can I walk you back to the inn? Zedd went ahead to get us a table and Cara can meet us there.” He extended his arm gallantly and gave her his best winning smile. “I really miss spending time with you.”
“I…” Kahlan looked helplessly at Cara, never noticing the murderous glare Richard was giving the Mord’Sith behind her back, daring her to say anything that would take Kahlan away from him. Cara just stared back at him, her expression unreadable. “I still have a few things I need to buy, Richard. We’ll meet you guys at the inn when we’re finished.”
“You can take care of that after lunch, Kahlan,” he said, his smile never leaving his lips, though it wasn’t lost to Kahlan how it was slowly fading from his dark eyes, and he made her want to push her luck.
“I’d rather do it now and leave after lunch. If the weather holds, we’ll reach Aydindril in two days, maybe less.” Kahlan moved closer to Cara and linked their arms together, unafraid, giving her a bright smile. “Poor Cara here has to put up with my whims today.”
Cara gave her a sideways glance and pursed her lips, slightly amused, but her sharp eyes quickly returned to her Master, carefully watching his every twitch; he was clearly unhappy.
"Well then, I can keep you company and carry your bags." He insisted still, his smile never faltering. "We'll meet you there, Cara."
It was almost like he was daring her to say she didn't want to be with him, almost like…
“They're items of… personal nature.” Kahlan forced her smile to remain on her lips.
“Oh!” He wasn’t expecting that, his lips pursed in a thin line.
“We won’t take long, Richard, I promise.”
He nodded, a deep frown on his face, his hand reaching for the hilt of his sword. “I’ll be waiting.” Giving them a curt nod, he started walking back to the inn, his body tense.
"You should just talk to him and work whatever’s between you two," Cara said softly, not making a move to disentangle herself from the Confessor's grip. She wouldn't admit it, of course, but Kahlan's hold on her was relieving some of the strain on her leg.
"We already have and I asked him for some time to think about this. I doubt we both still want the same things and I can see now that we’ve both changed somewhere along the road; that we started to drift apart without either of us even realizing what was happening.” Kahlan sighed. “He just keeps disregarding my requests; disregarding my wishes. It’s almost as if he thinks I’ll just give in to him if he keeps pushing me.”
“Mm… That’s usually how it works for men,” Cara said, twirling the clover between her fingers distractedly. “They are not used to dealing with strong, independent women and when they're faced with them, they feel the need to impose their manly selves on them.”
Kahlan blinked at the blonde, sure she had just been complimented. “Well, to be fair, I’m sure it can’t be easy for him, I mean, we are traveling together. There’s no way to avoid bumping into each other.” She sighed sadly. “But I… I just need some time to sort my feelings out and…”
She heard the barely concealed huff at the word and turned her head in time to witness the legendary roll of bluish, exasperated eyes.
“Feelings!” Cara almost spat the words. “Feelings make you weak, Confessor.”
Kahlan smiled fondly at her Mord’Sith. “We’ve talked about this, Cara. Feelings don’t make you weak; they give you strength when you least expect.”
“Feelings are a weakness that can be exploited by your enemy!” Cara huffed, the hand holding the clover gesturing in a rolling, frustrated motion.
“There are many things one’s enemy can exploit, Cara.” Kahlan flashed her smile, a glint of challenge surging in her eyes.
“Such as?” Cara knowingly took the bait; she enjoyed their verbal sparrings.
“Your Lord Rahl is your biggest weakness. If…”
“No, he’s not.” The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could even think about it and her eyes widened in sudden alarm, hoping Kahlan failed to hear the barely whispered words.
“He’s not?” Kahlan peeked at her, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
No such luck. Of course she heard; she always did! “You were saying?”
Kahlan kept staring at her, but the glare she was sending her way was enough for her to decide to let it go - for now.
“Lord Rahl is your biggest weakness. If I were to capture him and use him to get something from you, you would have no choice but to do as I say.”
“I would only play along until I found a way to neutralize you and rescue him,” Cara stated smugly. “And I would.”
Kahlan grinned. “I know that, but until then, you would be submitted to my will. You are loyal to your Lord; you owe him obedience and respect, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to like him, that you have to love him, or even that you’re his friend - there are no feelings involved, yet you have that one, big weakness working against you.”
Cara glared at her. “I didn’t say there weren’t other weaknesses.”
“True, but by focusing on feelings alone, you implied other things are not weaknesses, things like your sense of duty. And they are. If I were to catch him, I would count on exactly that to play you to my will.”
Cara remained quiet for a while, her eyes focused on the uneven street in front of them. Kahlan knew she was reviewing her words, analyzing them with precision and cold detachment. She had been more than a little surprised when she first realized Cara had a brilliant analytical mind - a tactician’s mind. She’d always thought of Mord’Sith as Rahl’s puppets, they didn’t think or plot, they just existed to carry out orders; to cause pain and destruction. But as their friendship begun to slowly evolve, she started to realize there was so much more to Cara Mason than met the eye; so many layers that composed this complex woman, she felt inexplicably compelled to peel them all off, one by one - no rush.
“You would only be successful because you know me,” she finally said, her voice quiet, pensive.
“Everyone knows Mord’Sith are devoted to their Lord; anyone could exploit this.”
“Not with me. While what you said is true, they would also count on Mord’Sith acting under certain… parameters. I don’t act like most Mord’Sith. Anyone else besides you would not win.” Cara slowly turned her shining blue eyes to the Confessor, a slow smirk shaping her lips. “Though I’m not sure you would too.”
Kahlan laughed easily and pulled her closer, touching their heads together. “Let’s hope we never have to find out who is the superior tactician.”
“I’m sure you would be a worthy opponent; it would reinforce my victory.” Cara boasted.
But Kahlan could see the smile shaping the pouty lips and the mirth lurking in the expressive bluish eyes, and just kept smiling.
##
They rode out immediately after lunch, as planned, and now Richard led the way, Zedd right behind him. Kahlan was content to stay behind, keeping company to the quiet blonde.
An involuntary smile graced her lips as she remembered the look on the blonde’s face when she gave her the clover. She wondered if she had kept it; she hadn’t seen it when they arrived at the inn for lunch. A chuckle almost escaped her, recalling Cara’s indignant stare after she pulled her left leg under the table, resting the booted foot on top of her own thigh to help relieve the strain on the wound. Kahlan just kept smiling at her until the leather covered shoulders sagged in defeat and the woman relaxed her stance.
Stealing a look to the side, her smile vanished as she noticed the paleness on Cara’s face, her eyes half-open and her lips pursed in concentration.
“Cara?”
“Yes?” The answer came out soft and precise.
Kahlan motioned her horse closer and pressed a hand to her forehead.
“You’re cold,” Cara mumbled and closed her eyes, leaning involuntarily ainto the touch.
“I’m not cold, Cara.” Kahlan sighed and called out to Zedd. The wizard made his way back to them, his gray eyebrows lifting in question. “It’s close to sundown, we should find shelter.” She pointed out to her right. “There’s a stream close by, we can make camp there.”
Zedd nodded, his weary eyes trained on the obviously feverish Mord’Sith. “I’ll tell Richard.” He started his horse and left.
“Can you manage…”
“Yes!” Cara cut her off sharply through gritted teeth.
Kahlan nodded and remained silent, but she couldn’t help feeling a twinge of hurt at the Mord’Sith’s reaction. She knew the woman wasn’t feeling well; she was hurt and cranky and truth be told, she had been amazingly compliant these past days, but it still hurt.
Cara gave her a sideways glance, closing her eyes in frustration as she caught the barely hidden hurt on the Confessor’s face. Her usually open face was drawn and impassive, and she couldn’t stand it; she had put that look there and she couldn’t stand it. Damn Confessor making her feel… things! “Kahlan.”
The Confessor turned her head slightly to look at her, dark eyebrows rising in silent question.
Cara sighed, she was mad at her and it made her stomach twist and churn, almost to the point of retching, though the way she was feeling, she wouldn’t have to wait long. “I’m… I’m sorry… I’m just…”
“Grumpy?” Kahlan supplied, her eyes softening in forgiveness.
Cara smirked and lowered her head, so that her blonde hair covered her face; covered her awkwardness. Gentle fingers whispered against her skin, brushing away the curtain of hair protecting her from prying eyes. She swallowed at the unexpected contact, the fine hairs on the back of her neck standing to attention; her stomach churning again.
“Look at me.” Kahlan pleaded gently. “Please.”
Cara exhaled softly and complied, losing herself in those brilliant pools for the second time that day. She was definitely sick; any other possibility was too unnerving to be considered.
“It’s all right. We all know what it feels like to be sick.”
Cara gave her a cross look. “I hate it.”
“Mm, I don’t know anyone who likes being sick, Cara.” She gave her a teasing smile, her fingers still entangled in the blonde tresses. “It’s a weakness all living creatures must live with; you’re not alone in this.”
“You’re making fun of me,” she said with a softness that shouldn’t be there, looking at her from under long eyelashes.
“Just a little.” Kahlan grinned at her, feeling better already.
Cara finally relented and chuckled softly.
Part two