Chapter One of Aftershock
Title: Aftershock
Pairings: Richard/Kahlan, Cara/Leo, eventual Berdine/Raina, Cara/Kahlan, Zedd/Adie
Rating: M
Spoilers: Perdition
Summary: This takes place right before the end of the epi Perdition, and continues with the season two storyline of finding the Stone of Tears.
Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of the Seeker, and this is a mixture of the books and the show. Just the first two books so far, though, I am about 2/3rds of the way finished with Stone of Tears. So if you haven't read that or Wizard's First Rule, you might be lost in some parts. It is Richard/Kahlan and Cara/Leo heavy though. It begins right before the end of the episode in season two called Perdition. And it keeps with the season two storyline of finding the Stone of Tears. So thanks for reading!
Aftershock
By Julia
Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander was watching Nikki trying to kill Leo, and immediately killed her with wizard's fire. Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell watched with fascination. Kahlan then walked up to Richard and they immediately kissed, long and deep. Zedd smiled. He knew that they thought they couldn't be together. Zedd knew they could. He wanted them to find out themselves. Kahlan's Confessor powers weren't going to work on Richard because her powers dealt with love. Richard loved her completely and unconditionally. Her powers weren't going to work on him. As long as he didn't have any doubts about his love for Kahlan, or Kahlan's love for him, the magic was going to have no effect on him whatsoever.
Cara Mason had run to Leo's side. She and Leo had formed a relationship of sorts. When she got to his side, he was getting up. She had started to really like him despite her better judgement. She was a Mord'Sith, dammit. She wasn't supposed to develop feelings. She'd been changing since she had started serving the new Lord Rahl, even though he had refused the post. Cara stopped once she had gotten to him, and instead of kissing him like she'd wanted to since their tryst, she asked, ''You alright, Leo?'' She tried to make it sound as if she was unconcerned.
Leo smiled. He knew that Cara was starting to really like him, as he was her. ''Yes, Cara, I'm fine. Are you alright?'' His gaze dropped to her two Agiels on her hip. He almost wanted her to use them on him. It was kind of sexy that she was able to carry two.
Cara tried not to blush. She really did like Leo. ''Yes, Leo, I'm alright.'' She turned to the wizard. She really was grateful that he saved Leo. ''So, Zedd, great job with taking out Nikki.'' She tried to sound nonchalant.
Zedd's long white hair was blowing in the wind. He smiled at her. He knew how she felt about Leo. ''Thanks, Cara. I just didn't want her to kill our new Seeker.''
Richard looked on, his arm tightly around Kahlan. He wanted to take the mantle of Seeker back, but he didn't want to ask Leo to just give it up. That wouldn't be right of him. He didn't want to take away being the Seeker from Leo.
Leo caught the look that Richard gave him. He was fine if Richard wanted to take the sword back, as long as they let him stay there with Cara. He wasn't sure how to bring it up. Finally he said, ''So, Richard, now that you're back, you can be the Seeker again. I'm fine if you want to take the sword back. As long as I get to stay here with Cara.'' He looked at her, and she tried not to blush again.
Richard shared a look with Kahlan. He wasn't sure what to say. He did want to be Seeker again. He didn't know how to say it since he didn't want to sound rude. He held Kahlan closer, and said, ''If you don't mind, Leo, I'd love to be the Seeker again.''
Zedd named Richard Seeker again, and they set off. They were supposed to meet Chase and Rachel at Adie's. Zedd wanted to touch base with Adie about the Stone of Tears. They had to get to it before the Keeper did.
They stopped for the night and began to set up camp. Richard and Kahlan could hardly take their eyes off each other. They had missed each other while Richard had been gone. They didn't want to let each other out of their sight, lest the other one disappear.
Cara watched them, not sure if she thought it was cute or annoying. She stole a quick glance at Leo, and then looked away. She wished she could talk to Kahlan about how she felt about Leo. She didn't want to acknowledge that she had feelings for him.
Zedd was watching it all from his seat on his log. He was impatient to begin eating. Leo was getting ready to fix the rabbits they had killed for supper. Zedd was munching on an apple as he sat there. He knew that Cara was itching to talk about Leo with Kahlan, she kept giving her longing glances. Kahlan wasn't noticing, she was keeping her eyes on Richard. Zedd longed to tell them what he knew.
Finally Cara spoke up. ''So, Zedd, you think this Adie person that your friend Chase knows will help us find the Stone?'' Her uneven blond hair was falling around her face.
Zedd turned towards her, surprised. Glad she was asking though, he said, ''Yes. She may have knowledge about its existance.'' He finished his apple and tossed the core in the fire.
Richard was finishing up laying out his bedroll, and he joined Zedd by the log. ''So how long is it going to take to get there? Aren't we pretty far? She's nearly to Westland.'' He took a sip of water.
Zedd nodded. ''Yes, it will take some days but we must get to her. It may take a long time. But it can't be helped, she may have pertinent information. Plus I want to catch up with Chase and Rachel, make sure they're alright.'' Chase was a friend from Westland who had helped them get to the boundary when they were trying to defeat Darken Rahl, and Rachel was a ten year old girl whom Zedd had helped escape from Princess Violet. Chase had agreed to adopt her. He already had young ones at home that would love to have a new sister.
Kahlan and Richard had found Rachel in the woods. They had gotten to know her well. Zedd had given her the box of Orden and had told her to find them. Chase had been with them. Rachel had taken to him quickly. She'd had to warm up a bit to Kahlan. She had also taken to Richard quite quickly. Kahlan and Richard had both loved Rachel. She said, ''I'm sure they're fine, Zedd. Chase can protect himself and Rachel.''
She cast a glance at Richard, wondering if they were now going to talk about the fact that Richard was a wizard. Nikki had been after his Han, and he hadn't given in. She found her hand touching his unexpectedly. He didn't shy away from the contact.
Cara was the one who brought it up, to Kahlan's surprise. ''So, Richard, you going to be a powerful wizard now?'' She cast a glance at him from behind a sheen of blond hair.
Richard's beard was pretty full, and his hair had gotten longer. He had thought it tempting to give his Han to Nikki, but in the end, he'd decided that it was best to keep it. It could only help in the fight against the Keeper. ''Well, I'd imagine so, Cara. I managed to keep Nikki from getting my Han.''
Zedd looked up in surprise. ''You managed to escape the Sisters of the Light with your Han intact? They are in the business of stealing Hans from wizards they train there. Good job, Richard.'' He beamed at his grandson with pride. He had been after him to be a wizard before the Sisters had shown up anyway.
Richard nodded. ''I know, I should never have gone with them. They used a Rada'Han on me. I never wanted them to use one on me. Not after Denna tortured me with that collar.'' He squeezed Kahlan's hand to let her know he wasn't upset with her. They hadn't known what the Sisters were, he couldn't blame her for asking him to go. He knew that she hadn't been able to bear the thought of living in a world without him.
Leo had finished with the rabbits and started passing it out on the plates. As he handed Cara her plate, their hands touched. She blushed and turned away. Leo smiled to himself. It wouldn't be long until he had her for himself. He said, ''So thanks for letting me travel with you. I'd love to fight the Keeper with you.''
Richard gave him a smile as he began cutting up his rabbit. Kahlan looked upset that his hand had left hers. He said, ''We're glad to have you, Leo. And Cara is, aren't you, Cara?'' He had noticed the looks she'd been giving him since they'd left the Palace of the Prophets.
Cara gave him a Mord'Sith death look. She was upset about that. If Richard could tell, with all his mooning over Kahlan, then she was making it too obvious. ''I don't know what you're talking about, Richard.'' She said through gritted teeth.
Kahlan wasn't really listening to the conversation. She was watching Richard. She could hardly believe she had almost lost him. They'd almost not gotten him out of the Valley. She didn't know what she would have done if she had lost Richard. She would have been very respondent, she knew that for sure. She happened to catch Cara looking at her, and she wondered what that was all about.
After they finished eating, Cara decided she was going to try and talk to Kahlan about Leo. She had to get some of it out. This talking about your emotions thing was new to her. But she wanted to have help sorting it all out. And she did consider Kahlan one of her friends. She walked up to her with her purposeful stride. ''Kahlan, may I speak to you?''
Kahlan looked up in surprise. This must be the reason Cara had kept staring at her. ''Of course, Cara.'' She pulled her away from the boys.
Cara stared at her boots for a moment, and said, ''I need to talk to you about Leo.'' Her hair had fallen in her face again.
Kahlan pulled Cara's head up, so she was looking her in the eyes. ''Do you like Leo, Cara? He has feelings for you. He's a nice guy.'' She hoped it worked out with Leo. Cara needed someone to love her.
Cara took Kahlan's hand away but kept looking into her eyes. ''So, I already know that. Leo and I were intimate.'' She met Kahlan's eyes head on. ''Leo and I were already intimate.'' A normal person would have been embarrassed about admitting that, but Cara was not shy about sex.
Kahlan wasn't surprised. She had seen the looks between Cara and Leo. It had been inevitable. She was jealous, there wasn't going to be anything keeping Cara from being with him except Cara. She said, ''Well, how do you feel about that, Cara?''
Cara blushed a little. ''I was glad it happened. I do have feelings for him.'' She looked upset at admitting this.
Kahlan smiled at her, knowing that if she tried to give her a hug Cara would flip out. She may have changed since she had started helping Richard, but she still considered herself Mord'Sith. She would not take it well. ''That's good, Cara. You should tell him how you feel. He'll never know until you say something.''
Cara folded her arms underneath her breasts. ''I'm Mord'Sith, Kahlan. I don't know how to do any of this. And how will I know that he won't stop liking me after he sees the real me?'' She met Kahlan's eyes.
Kahlan wasn't sure what to say to that. She had often wondered that about Richard. She didn't know if he could love her without knowing the real her. ''Cara, he knows that you are Mord'Sith. And you have been a little standoffish with him. He still has feelings for you. I'm sure it will be alright. You never know until you try.'' She cast a glance at Richard, who was already sleeping in the bedroll next to hers.
Cara followed her gaze. What she said next surprised them both. ''You don't know for certain that you can't be with Richard. There could be a way, as he is always saying. And I know you don't think he loves you completely, but he does. He's already Confessed to you without you using your powers.''
Kahlan took this in, thinking. She recalled Kieran and Vivian, a Seeker and Confessor long before their time. They had been able to be together without Kieran being Confessed. Was that because he already loved Vivian completely and without provocation? She said, ''I think that's it, Cara!''
She went excitedly to Zedd, to ask him if he thought she might be right. He thankfully was still awake. ''Zedd, could Richard and I be together as Kieran and Vivian were? He wasn't Confessed after they were intimate, was he?''
Zedd smiled, glad that one of them had figured it out. Cara watched with curiosity. ''Yes, Kahlan. His love for Vivian was so complete that her power didn't effect him. He loved her completely for who she was. It gave her the ability to be with Kieran. You and Richard will be the same. He loves you as Kieran loved Vivian.''
Kahlan immediately hurried over to Richard. She shook him awake, the most excited she had ever been. ''Richard, wake up, Richard.'' She said, barely able to contain her glee.
Richard awoke, sitting up quickly. ''What, is something the matter?'' He asked, going to grab the Sword of Truth, which lay in its sheath on the other side of him.
Kahlan shook her head, taking his hands in both of hers. ''No, Richard. We can be together without worry of you being Confessed.'' She said, giving him a kiss on the mouth.
Richard kissed her back, and broke the kiss quickly. He asked, ''Why? How? I thought there wasn't any way.'' He ran his hands through her hair.
Kahlan hugged him tightly, and then pulled back. ''Because you love me fully and completely. There won't be any effect on you from my powers. We can be together, Richard.'' She ran her hands through his hair, never daring to think that she could ever be able to be with the man she loved.
Richard looked to Zedd for confirmation. Zedd nodded. Richard threw his arms around Kahlan, practically knocking her to the ground. He kissed her fiercely, not sure he'd be able to stop. They weren't actually alone.
Kahlan could hardly catch her breath, Richard was kissing her so hard. She so wished that they were alone, but they weren't. She slowly pulled away. ''Richard, we only have to stop right now. Just for right now.'' She pulled her bedroll closer and cuddled up next to him, Richard resting his chin on her head.
As Zedd, Richard and Kahlan, and Leo went to sleep, Cara got ready for the first watch. Just like that, Kahlan and Richard had figured out a way to be together. She wondered if it could be as easy for her and Leo.
The next morning, Leo and Cara awoke first. Cara tried to avoid looking at him, and ended up noticing that Richard and Kahlan were nowhere to be found. Zedd had been last on watch, so he was already awake. Cara turned to him. ''Where are Richard and Kahlan?'' She asked.
Zedd smiled. ''They awoke a little early, and headed down to the water.'' They had set up camp by a lake.
Cara sighed and made a face. Left all alone with Leo and the wizard. Great, just great.
Richard and Kahlan were kissing madly, quickly removing clothes. They had decided that this morning was the time for their first time. They'd been able to wait no longer, especially after sleeping so closely together all night long. Richard was entangling his fingers in Kahlan's hair, and Kahlan's hands were all over his back. He moaned as the kiss deepened, and Kahlan's hand undid his pants and dropped them to the ground. She grabbed him fiercely, and he gasped.
Kahlan grabbed him closer and closed her mouth on his again, her tongue colliding with his. Her hand continued its work below his waist, and he thought he might explode.
Clothes finally dispersed, they headed to the water. Kahlan plunged in first, pulling Richard behind her. She dunked him under the water, laughing. When he came back up, he returned the favor. Laughing, he pulled her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. As they did, the mood turned serious again.
Richard slowly entered her, Kahlan giving a gasp at the contact. They began to rock slowly as Richard's hips began thrusting. Kahlan threw her head back, gasping. It felt better than she had ever thought it would. She could feel herself letting go, and in so doing, let out a carnal scream that she hoped their friends wouldn't hear.
Richard smiled to himself as he felt himself exploding. Kahlan gave a shudder as she hit her climax, also. They leaned together, lips meeting as they finished. He kissed her deeply and said, ''Soon we could be having a little one.'' He wiped a stray strand of black hair from his beloved's face.
Kahlan gasped, her hand going to the nape of Richard's neck. She tangled her hands in the hair she found there. Soon he was going to have to start tying it back with something. ''I didn't even think of that.''
Richard captured her mouth with his again. When the kiss broke, he said, ''Don't worry, Kahlan. It will be alright. We'll deal with it. If you are with child, we can seperate when the time comes. I am just glad we can be together.''
Smiling and satisfied, they headed out of the water. They quickly dressed and headed back to the others, hand in hand. Kahlan's long dark hair fell down her back in curly waves. Even being wet couldn't completely take away all of the curl.
They found Zedd chowing down as usual, and Cara and Leo packing their packs for the day's walk. With a kiss, Richard went to pack up their bedrolls.
Cara felt silly, but she went over to Kahlan, having finished packing. She wanted to know if Kahlan and Richard had been alright. She could guess what they had been doing, but they had been by themselves. And Cara had heard a blood-curdling scream. ''So, Kahlan, um, how are things with Richard?'' She asked, trying to keep her voice as business-like as possible.
Kahlan lit iup with an ear to ear smile. ''We're so great, thanks for asking, Cara.'' Her face gave a blush, betraying her.
Cara's uneven blond hair was blowing in the wind. She decided to not embarrass her and ask her about the scream. Now that she knew things were fine, she could guess why the scream had occured. She said, ''We have some apples for breakfast.'' She said, pulling one out for Kahlan.
Kahlan took it, and tried to straighten out her long tresses. She was so glad thjat she could be with Richard. As Mother Confessor, she had thought that she would always have to be without him. She was overjoyed that she could be with him.
Cara watched Kahlan brushing out her hair. She thought Kahlan's hair was so beautiful. She knew that some people got scared by women with long hair. She missed her long Mord'Sith braid. Her Mord'Sith sisters had cut it off when they had left her for dead. She felt Leo's eyes on her and she sighed. She wished things could be easier with him. She didn't know how to express how she felt.
Zedd finished up eating, and said, '''Alright, is everyone ready to get going?'' He had already picked up his bag.
Richard helped Kahlan put her pack on, and they took hands. He watched the sun hit her, her blue eyes sparkling. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her eyes were like the ocean. He was blown away. ''Kahlan, I love you.'' He said.
Kahlan smiled at him, looking so happy. ''I love you, too, Richard.'' She said, beaming. She leaned closer to him as they all started off, Cara walking next to Leo, trying not to grab Leo's hand, like she wanted to.
Leo could feel the energy radiating off Cara as they walked along. He could see her shaking her hand, and he wondered if he was going to take hers. He decided that he would. He reached out and took Cara's hand.
Cara jumped at the contact, and her other hand went to her Agiels. Relaxing, realizing that it was just Leo, she smiled to herself. Taking her hand off the Agiel, she actually gripped Leo's hand a little tighter. She was glad that he had done that.
Leo saw the smile that played at her lips. He thought it was probably a good idea not to mention the hand holding, so he said, ''Did you sleep well, Cara?'' He took a glance at her.
Cara tried to form words, but it was hard. She was still getting used to pleasant conversations. ''Um, fine, how about you?'' She asked.
Leo smiled at her. ''Just fine. I was warm and full. And sleeping next to a beautiful woman.'' He continued to smile at Cara's preceding blush.
Kahlan and Richard were watching from behind them. They could see the sparks flying between Cara and Leo. Kahlan saw their hands joined together and smiled. She laid her head on Richard's shoulder, silently acknowledging that this was not the best choice for walking. It was going to slow them down.
Suddenly, Zedd stopped with surprising quickness. He said, ''Do you see what I see?'' There was a small knot of people, and they were all throwing fruit at someone. Cara let go of Leo's hand to get a closer look. Zedd joined her. They both exclaimed. Zedd's was, ''Bags!'' Cara's was something much more obscene.
Richard, Kahlan, and Leo all hurried forward at this. Richard is shocked into silence at who he sees covered in fruit. He saw his father. His father was Darken Rahl, and he was supposed to be dead. He said, ''How is this possible? Why isn't he at the People's Palace trying to get it back?''
Zedd said, ''Hold on, Richard. Maybe it's a spell or something. We're going to have to find out.'' He strode through the crowd. It parted for him.
Richard and Kahlan followed, Leo and Cara bringing up the rear. He followed his grandfather's wake and asked the man, ''Are you Darken Rahl?'' Pointblank.
The man looked frightened now. He shook his head rapidly. ''No. I am Walter. I just dress up like him to get money. Lots of people want to torture Darken Rahl.''
Kahlan looked unsure. He did seem to be rather jumpy and his voice was different however. ''Let's ask him something only Darken Rahl would know.'' She turned to him and pointed to Richard. ''Do you know who this man is?'' She asked.
Walter, or so he said, looked panicky. ''Um, I have no idea. I've never met him before in my life.'' He was nervously wringing his hands.
Cara was watching him closely. She'd had a very intimate relationship with Darken Rahl. She knew this man was telling the truth. ''He's speaking the truth. He is not Darken Rahl.''
Everyone turned to Kahlan for her apprasial to what Cara had deduced. As a Confessor, she was able to read people and see if they were telling the truth. She took a closer look at Walter, trying to read him. After a minute or so, she said, ''Cara's right. This man is not Darken Rahl.''
Satisfied, Zedd turned back to him. ''So is there a reason why you are risking your life, letting people think you are Darken Rahl?''
Walter felt like a child being lectured by a parent. He was very nervous and bumbling. ''I just needed some money. I have found that people like torturing Darken Rahl, especially now that the new Lord Rahl is kinder.''
They all took a glance at Richard, who rolled his eyes. Cara had a smirk on her face. She said, ''I told you it would be a good idea to take it. Seems people already know there's a new Lord Rahl.''
Richard gave her a look. ''Shut up, Cara.'' He said, using a joking tone so she would know he was kidding. ''OK. So what else do they say about the new Lord Rahl?'' He asked Walter.
Walter thought a minute. ''They also say that he defeated the real Darken Rahl. They cheer you and still do devotions every day.''
Richard shook his head. ''They don't have to do that. I guess it got ingrained in them to do it every day though.'' Kahlan squeezed his hand.
Cara said, ''When we get a chance, we should head there. Maybe you could use some of the army's help finding the stone.''
Richard could feel an arguement coming on. He tried to keep the anger in check. He looked at Cara. ''I don't want to take it, Cara. I have better things to do than be in charge of the House of Rahl.''
Cara tried to keep the argumentive tone out of her voice. ''Richard, it could only help. But ultimately it is your decision, no one can force you.'' She said.
Richard agreed. '''You're right. It's my decision. I will decide what to do about it later.'' He broke off, and then turned to Walter. '''So what are we going to do with you?'' He asked.
Before Walter could say anything else, the figure of Darken Rahl sprang to life in front of them among flames. He said, ''Let me answer that question, dear son.''
Richard pulled the Sword of Truth from his sheath, hearing the familiar ring. ''What are you doing here?'' He asked. ''What do you want?''
His father's dark hair fell to his shoulders, and he looked the same as he did in life. ''I want you to kill Walter so that I may come back to life and inhabit his body. He impersonated me in my life, it won't be hard for me to take it from him.''
Richard could hardly believe what he was hearing. ''Are you serious? I'm not going to kill Walter so you can take over his body. Walter is a human being and you are an evil son of a bitch.'' He said.
Darken Rahl was not surprised that Richard had that violent of a reaction. He was a good man, the kind of man that Darken Rahl hated. Especially since he had defeated him. ''Richard, you would deny your own father life?'' He had the smooth tone of a man who knew he was going to get what he wanted.
Richard could hardly believe that Rahl was even trying that with him. ''Are you serious? The world is better without you in it. Why would I let you come back after everything you've done to try and kill us?''
Darken Rahl was actually at a loss for words. He had to think a minute. '''I will open a rift right here right now and you can't stop me.'' He lifted a hand to begin to part the Earth.
Richard felt helpless. He didn't know what to do, and he didn't want to give in to Darken Rahl. ''Let us have a day to think about it.'' He said, trying to buy them some time.
His father gave some thought to the request. He finally decided that that would be acceptable. He had to get away from the Keeper, but he was going to have to let Richard think he had some control. ''Alright. I'll be back tomorrow.'' He disappeared in a flash of green.
Cara folded her arms. ''Well, isn't that just great. And you only bought us a little time, Richard. I can't work like this!'' She began pacing.
Kahlan turned to Zedd. ''What do you suppose we do? We can't let Darken Rahl come back.''
Zedd turned to Walter. ''Do you want a new body?'' He asked.
Walter quickly nodded his head. ''Yes. I'd give anything to have a new body. I totally and completely do not enjoy looking like Darken Rahl.''
Zedd said, ''Then we'll have to find one. We'lll have to see if we can come across some of the D'Haran army.''
Richard could feel nothing but Kahlan's hand in his. ''Well, what do you propose we do? Keep towards Adie's and hope we come across some?'' The situation seemed utterly hopeless.
Kahlan ran her free hand through Richard's hair, trying to comfort him. ''I think that's what we should do for now. We shouldn't ask for more trouble than we can handle.''
Cara looked dissatisfied with this plan. ''I don't want to throw a dagger into the plan, but we haven't got that much time. What do you propose we do about the time issue?'' Her expression was one of ''Richard, please''.
Richard knew Cara wasn't going to like what he had to say, but he was the Seeker and what he said was what they were going to do. '''We're going to do what I suggested. Keep heading towards Adie's. Maybe in the meantime I can think of something.''
They set off again, Walter joining them. Kahlan and Richard brought up the rear. Kahlan was watching Richard's face. She didn't know if she could even imagine how Richard was feeling. Especially finding out that he was a Rahl. He still insisted on being Richard Cypher. She looked at their intertwined fingers. She asked, ''What are you thinking about, Richard?''
Richard shrugged. ''I'm just thinking that we'll get through this, just like we've gotten through everything else.'' He pulled her closer, so glad that he could hold her that close. Not matter what happened with Darken Rahl and the Keeper, he and Kahlan would be together forever.
Pairings: Richard/Kahlan, Cara/Leo, eventual Berdine/Raina, Cara/Kahlan, Zedd/Adie
Rating: M
Spoilers: Perdition
Summary: This takes place right before the end of the epi Perdition, and continues with the season two storyline of finding the Stone of Tears.
Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of the Seeker, and this is a mixture of the books and the show. Just the first two books so far, though, I am about 2/3rds of the way finished with Stone of Tears. So if you haven't read that or Wizard's First Rule, you might be lost in some parts. It is Richard/Kahlan and Cara/Leo heavy though. It begins right before the end of the episode in season two called Perdition. And it keeps with the season two storyline of finding the Stone of Tears. So thanks for reading!
Aftershock
By Julia
Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander was watching Nikki trying to kill Leo, and immediately killed her with wizard's fire. Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell watched with fascination. Kahlan then walked up to Richard and they immediately kissed, long and deep. Zedd smiled. He knew that they thought they couldn't be together. Zedd knew they could. He wanted them to find out themselves. Kahlan's Confessor powers weren't going to work on Richard because her powers dealt with love. Richard loved her completely and unconditionally. Her powers weren't going to work on him. As long as he didn't have any doubts about his love for Kahlan, or Kahlan's love for him, the magic was going to have no effect on him whatsoever.
Cara Mason had run to Leo's side. She and Leo had formed a relationship of sorts. When she got to his side, he was getting up. She had started to really like him despite her better judgement. She was a Mord'Sith, dammit. She wasn't supposed to develop feelings. She'd been changing since she had started serving the new Lord Rahl, even though he had refused the post. Cara stopped once she had gotten to him, and instead of kissing him like she'd wanted to since their tryst, she asked, ''You alright, Leo?'' She tried to make it sound as if she was unconcerned.
Leo smiled. He knew that Cara was starting to really like him, as he was her. ''Yes, Cara, I'm fine. Are you alright?'' His gaze dropped to her two Agiels on her hip. He almost wanted her to use them on him. It was kind of sexy that she was able to carry two.
Cara tried not to blush. She really did like Leo. ''Yes, Leo, I'm alright.'' She turned to the wizard. She really was grateful that he saved Leo. ''So, Zedd, great job with taking out Nikki.'' She tried to sound nonchalant.
Zedd's long white hair was blowing in the wind. He smiled at her. He knew how she felt about Leo. ''Thanks, Cara. I just didn't want her to kill our new Seeker.''
Richard looked on, his arm tightly around Kahlan. He wanted to take the mantle of Seeker back, but he didn't want to ask Leo to just give it up. That wouldn't be right of him. He didn't want to take away being the Seeker from Leo.
Leo caught the look that Richard gave him. He was fine if Richard wanted to take the sword back, as long as they let him stay there with Cara. He wasn't sure how to bring it up. Finally he said, ''So, Richard, now that you're back, you can be the Seeker again. I'm fine if you want to take the sword back. As long as I get to stay here with Cara.'' He looked at her, and she tried not to blush again.
Richard shared a look with Kahlan. He wasn't sure what to say. He did want to be Seeker again. He didn't know how to say it since he didn't want to sound rude. He held Kahlan closer, and said, ''If you don't mind, Leo, I'd love to be the Seeker again.''
Zedd named Richard Seeker again, and they set off. They were supposed to meet Chase and Rachel at Adie's. Zedd wanted to touch base with Adie about the Stone of Tears. They had to get to it before the Keeper did.
They stopped for the night and began to set up camp. Richard and Kahlan could hardly take their eyes off each other. They had missed each other while Richard had been gone. They didn't want to let each other out of their sight, lest the other one disappear.
Cara watched them, not sure if she thought it was cute or annoying. She stole a quick glance at Leo, and then looked away. She wished she could talk to Kahlan about how she felt about Leo. She didn't want to acknowledge that she had feelings for him.
Zedd was watching it all from his seat on his log. He was impatient to begin eating. Leo was getting ready to fix the rabbits they had killed for supper. Zedd was munching on an apple as he sat there. He knew that Cara was itching to talk about Leo with Kahlan, she kept giving her longing glances. Kahlan wasn't noticing, she was keeping her eyes on Richard. Zedd longed to tell them what he knew.
Finally Cara spoke up. ''So, Zedd, you think this Adie person that your friend Chase knows will help us find the Stone?'' Her uneven blond hair was falling around her face.
Zedd turned towards her, surprised. Glad she was asking though, he said, ''Yes. She may have knowledge about its existance.'' He finished his apple and tossed the core in the fire.
Richard was finishing up laying out his bedroll, and he joined Zedd by the log. ''So how long is it going to take to get there? Aren't we pretty far? She's nearly to Westland.'' He took a sip of water.
Zedd nodded. ''Yes, it will take some days but we must get to her. It may take a long time. But it can't be helped, she may have pertinent information. Plus I want to catch up with Chase and Rachel, make sure they're alright.'' Chase was a friend from Westland who had helped them get to the boundary when they were trying to defeat Darken Rahl, and Rachel was a ten year old girl whom Zedd had helped escape from Princess Violet. Chase had agreed to adopt her. He already had young ones at home that would love to have a new sister.
Kahlan and Richard had found Rachel in the woods. They had gotten to know her well. Zedd had given her the box of Orden and had told her to find them. Chase had been with them. Rachel had taken to him quickly. She'd had to warm up a bit to Kahlan. She had also taken to Richard quite quickly. Kahlan and Richard had both loved Rachel. She said, ''I'm sure they're fine, Zedd. Chase can protect himself and Rachel.''
She cast a glance at Richard, wondering if they were now going to talk about the fact that Richard was a wizard. Nikki had been after his Han, and he hadn't given in. She found her hand touching his unexpectedly. He didn't shy away from the contact.
Cara was the one who brought it up, to Kahlan's surprise. ''So, Richard, you going to be a powerful wizard now?'' She cast a glance at him from behind a sheen of blond hair.
Richard's beard was pretty full, and his hair had gotten longer. He had thought it tempting to give his Han to Nikki, but in the end, he'd decided that it was best to keep it. It could only help in the fight against the Keeper. ''Well, I'd imagine so, Cara. I managed to keep Nikki from getting my Han.''
Zedd looked up in surprise. ''You managed to escape the Sisters of the Light with your Han intact? They are in the business of stealing Hans from wizards they train there. Good job, Richard.'' He beamed at his grandson with pride. He had been after him to be a wizard before the Sisters had shown up anyway.
Richard nodded. ''I know, I should never have gone with them. They used a Rada'Han on me. I never wanted them to use one on me. Not after Denna tortured me with that collar.'' He squeezed Kahlan's hand to let her know he wasn't upset with her. They hadn't known what the Sisters were, he couldn't blame her for asking him to go. He knew that she hadn't been able to bear the thought of living in a world without him.
Leo had finished with the rabbits and started passing it out on the plates. As he handed Cara her plate, their hands touched. She blushed and turned away. Leo smiled to himself. It wouldn't be long until he had her for himself. He said, ''So thanks for letting me travel with you. I'd love to fight the Keeper with you.''
Richard gave him a smile as he began cutting up his rabbit. Kahlan looked upset that his hand had left hers. He said, ''We're glad to have you, Leo. And Cara is, aren't you, Cara?'' He had noticed the looks she'd been giving him since they'd left the Palace of the Prophets.
Cara gave him a Mord'Sith death look. She was upset about that. If Richard could tell, with all his mooning over Kahlan, then she was making it too obvious. ''I don't know what you're talking about, Richard.'' She said through gritted teeth.
Kahlan wasn't really listening to the conversation. She was watching Richard. She could hardly believe she had almost lost him. They'd almost not gotten him out of the Valley. She didn't know what she would have done if she had lost Richard. She would have been very respondent, she knew that for sure. She happened to catch Cara looking at her, and she wondered what that was all about.
After they finished eating, Cara decided she was going to try and talk to Kahlan about Leo. She had to get some of it out. This talking about your emotions thing was new to her. But she wanted to have help sorting it all out. And she did consider Kahlan one of her friends. She walked up to her with her purposeful stride. ''Kahlan, may I speak to you?''
Kahlan looked up in surprise. This must be the reason Cara had kept staring at her. ''Of course, Cara.'' She pulled her away from the boys.
Cara stared at her boots for a moment, and said, ''I need to talk to you about Leo.'' Her hair had fallen in her face again.
Kahlan pulled Cara's head up, so she was looking her in the eyes. ''Do you like Leo, Cara? He has feelings for you. He's a nice guy.'' She hoped it worked out with Leo. Cara needed someone to love her.
Cara took Kahlan's hand away but kept looking into her eyes. ''So, I already know that. Leo and I were intimate.'' She met Kahlan's eyes head on. ''Leo and I were already intimate.'' A normal person would have been embarrassed about admitting that, but Cara was not shy about sex.
Kahlan wasn't surprised. She had seen the looks between Cara and Leo. It had been inevitable. She was jealous, there wasn't going to be anything keeping Cara from being with him except Cara. She said, ''Well, how do you feel about that, Cara?''
Cara blushed a little. ''I was glad it happened. I do have feelings for him.'' She looked upset at admitting this.
Kahlan smiled at her, knowing that if she tried to give her a hug Cara would flip out. She may have changed since she had started helping Richard, but she still considered herself Mord'Sith. She would not take it well. ''That's good, Cara. You should tell him how you feel. He'll never know until you say something.''
Cara folded her arms underneath her breasts. ''I'm Mord'Sith, Kahlan. I don't know how to do any of this. And how will I know that he won't stop liking me after he sees the real me?'' She met Kahlan's eyes.
Kahlan wasn't sure what to say to that. She had often wondered that about Richard. She didn't know if he could love her without knowing the real her. ''Cara, he knows that you are Mord'Sith. And you have been a little standoffish with him. He still has feelings for you. I'm sure it will be alright. You never know until you try.'' She cast a glance at Richard, who was already sleeping in the bedroll next to hers.
Cara followed her gaze. What she said next surprised them both. ''You don't know for certain that you can't be with Richard. There could be a way, as he is always saying. And I know you don't think he loves you completely, but he does. He's already Confessed to you without you using your powers.''
Kahlan took this in, thinking. She recalled Kieran and Vivian, a Seeker and Confessor long before their time. They had been able to be together without Kieran being Confessed. Was that because he already loved Vivian completely and without provocation? She said, ''I think that's it, Cara!''
She went excitedly to Zedd, to ask him if he thought she might be right. He thankfully was still awake. ''Zedd, could Richard and I be together as Kieran and Vivian were? He wasn't Confessed after they were intimate, was he?''
Zedd smiled, glad that one of them had figured it out. Cara watched with curiosity. ''Yes, Kahlan. His love for Vivian was so complete that her power didn't effect him. He loved her completely for who she was. It gave her the ability to be with Kieran. You and Richard will be the same. He loves you as Kieran loved Vivian.''
Kahlan immediately hurried over to Richard. She shook him awake, the most excited she had ever been. ''Richard, wake up, Richard.'' She said, barely able to contain her glee.
Richard awoke, sitting up quickly. ''What, is something the matter?'' He asked, going to grab the Sword of Truth, which lay in its sheath on the other side of him.
Kahlan shook her head, taking his hands in both of hers. ''No, Richard. We can be together without worry of you being Confessed.'' She said, giving him a kiss on the mouth.
Richard kissed her back, and broke the kiss quickly. He asked, ''Why? How? I thought there wasn't any way.'' He ran his hands through her hair.
Kahlan hugged him tightly, and then pulled back. ''Because you love me fully and completely. There won't be any effect on you from my powers. We can be together, Richard.'' She ran her hands through his hair, never daring to think that she could ever be able to be with the man she loved.
Richard looked to Zedd for confirmation. Zedd nodded. Richard threw his arms around Kahlan, practically knocking her to the ground. He kissed her fiercely, not sure he'd be able to stop. They weren't actually alone.
Kahlan could hardly catch her breath, Richard was kissing her so hard. She so wished that they were alone, but they weren't. She slowly pulled away. ''Richard, we only have to stop right now. Just for right now.'' She pulled her bedroll closer and cuddled up next to him, Richard resting his chin on her head.
As Zedd, Richard and Kahlan, and Leo went to sleep, Cara got ready for the first watch. Just like that, Kahlan and Richard had figured out a way to be together. She wondered if it could be as easy for her and Leo.
The next morning, Leo and Cara awoke first. Cara tried to avoid looking at him, and ended up noticing that Richard and Kahlan were nowhere to be found. Zedd had been last on watch, so he was already awake. Cara turned to him. ''Where are Richard and Kahlan?'' She asked.
Zedd smiled. ''They awoke a little early, and headed down to the water.'' They had set up camp by a lake.
Cara sighed and made a face. Left all alone with Leo and the wizard. Great, just great.
Richard and Kahlan were kissing madly, quickly removing clothes. They had decided that this morning was the time for their first time. They'd been able to wait no longer, especially after sleeping so closely together all night long. Richard was entangling his fingers in Kahlan's hair, and Kahlan's hands were all over his back. He moaned as the kiss deepened, and Kahlan's hand undid his pants and dropped them to the ground. She grabbed him fiercely, and he gasped.
Kahlan grabbed him closer and closed her mouth on his again, her tongue colliding with his. Her hand continued its work below his waist, and he thought he might explode.
Clothes finally dispersed, they headed to the water. Kahlan plunged in first, pulling Richard behind her. She dunked him under the water, laughing. When he came back up, he returned the favor. Laughing, he pulled her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. As they did, the mood turned serious again.
Richard slowly entered her, Kahlan giving a gasp at the contact. They began to rock slowly as Richard's hips began thrusting. Kahlan threw her head back, gasping. It felt better than she had ever thought it would. She could feel herself letting go, and in so doing, let out a carnal scream that she hoped their friends wouldn't hear.
Richard smiled to himself as he felt himself exploding. Kahlan gave a shudder as she hit her climax, also. They leaned together, lips meeting as they finished. He kissed her deeply and said, ''Soon we could be having a little one.'' He wiped a stray strand of black hair from his beloved's face.
Kahlan gasped, her hand going to the nape of Richard's neck. She tangled her hands in the hair she found there. Soon he was going to have to start tying it back with something. ''I didn't even think of that.''
Richard captured her mouth with his again. When the kiss broke, he said, ''Don't worry, Kahlan. It will be alright. We'll deal with it. If you are with child, we can seperate when the time comes. I am just glad we can be together.''
Smiling and satisfied, they headed out of the water. They quickly dressed and headed back to the others, hand in hand. Kahlan's long dark hair fell down her back in curly waves. Even being wet couldn't completely take away all of the curl.
They found Zedd chowing down as usual, and Cara and Leo packing their packs for the day's walk. With a kiss, Richard went to pack up their bedrolls.
Cara felt silly, but she went over to Kahlan, having finished packing. She wanted to know if Kahlan and Richard had been alright. She could guess what they had been doing, but they had been by themselves. And Cara had heard a blood-curdling scream. ''So, Kahlan, um, how are things with Richard?'' She asked, trying to keep her voice as business-like as possible.
Kahlan lit iup with an ear to ear smile. ''We're so great, thanks for asking, Cara.'' Her face gave a blush, betraying her.
Cara's uneven blond hair was blowing in the wind. She decided to not embarrass her and ask her about the scream. Now that she knew things were fine, she could guess why the scream had occured. She said, ''We have some apples for breakfast.'' She said, pulling one out for Kahlan.
Kahlan took it, and tried to straighten out her long tresses. She was so glad thjat she could be with Richard. As Mother Confessor, she had thought that she would always have to be without him. She was overjoyed that she could be with him.
Cara watched Kahlan brushing out her hair. She thought Kahlan's hair was so beautiful. She knew that some people got scared by women with long hair. She missed her long Mord'Sith braid. Her Mord'Sith sisters had cut it off when they had left her for dead. She felt Leo's eyes on her and she sighed. She wished things could be easier with him. She didn't know how to express how she felt.
Zedd finished up eating, and said, '''Alright, is everyone ready to get going?'' He had already picked up his bag.
Richard helped Kahlan put her pack on, and they took hands. He watched the sun hit her, her blue eyes sparkling. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her eyes were like the ocean. He was blown away. ''Kahlan, I love you.'' He said.
Kahlan smiled at him, looking so happy. ''I love you, too, Richard.'' She said, beaming. She leaned closer to him as they all started off, Cara walking next to Leo, trying not to grab Leo's hand, like she wanted to.
Leo could feel the energy radiating off Cara as they walked along. He could see her shaking her hand, and he wondered if he was going to take hers. He decided that he would. He reached out and took Cara's hand.
Cara jumped at the contact, and her other hand went to her Agiels. Relaxing, realizing that it was just Leo, she smiled to herself. Taking her hand off the Agiel, she actually gripped Leo's hand a little tighter. She was glad that he had done that.
Leo saw the smile that played at her lips. He thought it was probably a good idea not to mention the hand holding, so he said, ''Did you sleep well, Cara?'' He took a glance at her.
Cara tried to form words, but it was hard. She was still getting used to pleasant conversations. ''Um, fine, how about you?'' She asked.
Leo smiled at her. ''Just fine. I was warm and full. And sleeping next to a beautiful woman.'' He continued to smile at Cara's preceding blush.
Kahlan and Richard were watching from behind them. They could see the sparks flying between Cara and Leo. Kahlan saw their hands joined together and smiled. She laid her head on Richard's shoulder, silently acknowledging that this was not the best choice for walking. It was going to slow them down.
Suddenly, Zedd stopped with surprising quickness. He said, ''Do you see what I see?'' There was a small knot of people, and they were all throwing fruit at someone. Cara let go of Leo's hand to get a closer look. Zedd joined her. They both exclaimed. Zedd's was, ''Bags!'' Cara's was something much more obscene.
Richard, Kahlan, and Leo all hurried forward at this. Richard is shocked into silence at who he sees covered in fruit. He saw his father. His father was Darken Rahl, and he was supposed to be dead. He said, ''How is this possible? Why isn't he at the People's Palace trying to get it back?''
Zedd said, ''Hold on, Richard. Maybe it's a spell or something. We're going to have to find out.'' He strode through the crowd. It parted for him.
Richard and Kahlan followed, Leo and Cara bringing up the rear. He followed his grandfather's wake and asked the man, ''Are you Darken Rahl?'' Pointblank.
The man looked frightened now. He shook his head rapidly. ''No. I am Walter. I just dress up like him to get money. Lots of people want to torture Darken Rahl.''
Kahlan looked unsure. He did seem to be rather jumpy and his voice was different however. ''Let's ask him something only Darken Rahl would know.'' She turned to him and pointed to Richard. ''Do you know who this man is?'' She asked.
Walter, or so he said, looked panicky. ''Um, I have no idea. I've never met him before in my life.'' He was nervously wringing his hands.
Cara was watching him closely. She'd had a very intimate relationship with Darken Rahl. She knew this man was telling the truth. ''He's speaking the truth. He is not Darken Rahl.''
Everyone turned to Kahlan for her apprasial to what Cara had deduced. As a Confessor, she was able to read people and see if they were telling the truth. She took a closer look at Walter, trying to read him. After a minute or so, she said, ''Cara's right. This man is not Darken Rahl.''
Satisfied, Zedd turned back to him. ''So is there a reason why you are risking your life, letting people think you are Darken Rahl?''
Walter felt like a child being lectured by a parent. He was very nervous and bumbling. ''I just needed some money. I have found that people like torturing Darken Rahl, especially now that the new Lord Rahl is kinder.''
They all took a glance at Richard, who rolled his eyes. Cara had a smirk on her face. She said, ''I told you it would be a good idea to take it. Seems people already know there's a new Lord Rahl.''
Richard gave her a look. ''Shut up, Cara.'' He said, using a joking tone so she would know he was kidding. ''OK. So what else do they say about the new Lord Rahl?'' He asked Walter.
Walter thought a minute. ''They also say that he defeated the real Darken Rahl. They cheer you and still do devotions every day.''
Richard shook his head. ''They don't have to do that. I guess it got ingrained in them to do it every day though.'' Kahlan squeezed his hand.
Cara said, ''When we get a chance, we should head there. Maybe you could use some of the army's help finding the stone.''
Richard could feel an arguement coming on. He tried to keep the anger in check. He looked at Cara. ''I don't want to take it, Cara. I have better things to do than be in charge of the House of Rahl.''
Cara tried to keep the argumentive tone out of her voice. ''Richard, it could only help. But ultimately it is your decision, no one can force you.'' She said.
Richard agreed. '''You're right. It's my decision. I will decide what to do about it later.'' He broke off, and then turned to Walter. '''So what are we going to do with you?'' He asked.
Before Walter could say anything else, the figure of Darken Rahl sprang to life in front of them among flames. He said, ''Let me answer that question, dear son.''
Richard pulled the Sword of Truth from his sheath, hearing the familiar ring. ''What are you doing here?'' He asked. ''What do you want?''
His father's dark hair fell to his shoulders, and he looked the same as he did in life. ''I want you to kill Walter so that I may come back to life and inhabit his body. He impersonated me in my life, it won't be hard for me to take it from him.''
Richard could hardly believe what he was hearing. ''Are you serious? I'm not going to kill Walter so you can take over his body. Walter is a human being and you are an evil son of a bitch.'' He said.
Darken Rahl was not surprised that Richard had that violent of a reaction. He was a good man, the kind of man that Darken Rahl hated. Especially since he had defeated him. ''Richard, you would deny your own father life?'' He had the smooth tone of a man who knew he was going to get what he wanted.
Richard could hardly believe that Rahl was even trying that with him. ''Are you serious? The world is better without you in it. Why would I let you come back after everything you've done to try and kill us?''
Darken Rahl was actually at a loss for words. He had to think a minute. '''I will open a rift right here right now and you can't stop me.'' He lifted a hand to begin to part the Earth.
Richard felt helpless. He didn't know what to do, and he didn't want to give in to Darken Rahl. ''Let us have a day to think about it.'' He said, trying to buy them some time.
His father gave some thought to the request. He finally decided that that would be acceptable. He had to get away from the Keeper, but he was going to have to let Richard think he had some control. ''Alright. I'll be back tomorrow.'' He disappeared in a flash of green.
Cara folded her arms. ''Well, isn't that just great. And you only bought us a little time, Richard. I can't work like this!'' She began pacing.
Kahlan turned to Zedd. ''What do you suppose we do? We can't let Darken Rahl come back.''
Zedd turned to Walter. ''Do you want a new body?'' He asked.
Walter quickly nodded his head. ''Yes. I'd give anything to have a new body. I totally and completely do not enjoy looking like Darken Rahl.''
Zedd said, ''Then we'll have to find one. We'lll have to see if we can come across some of the D'Haran army.''
Richard could feel nothing but Kahlan's hand in his. ''Well, what do you propose we do? Keep towards Adie's and hope we come across some?'' The situation seemed utterly hopeless.
Kahlan ran her free hand through Richard's hair, trying to comfort him. ''I think that's what we should do for now. We shouldn't ask for more trouble than we can handle.''
Cara looked dissatisfied with this plan. ''I don't want to throw a dagger into the plan, but we haven't got that much time. What do you propose we do about the time issue?'' Her expression was one of ''Richard, please''.
Richard knew Cara wasn't going to like what he had to say, but he was the Seeker and what he said was what they were going to do. '''We're going to do what I suggested. Keep heading towards Adie's. Maybe in the meantime I can think of something.''
They set off again, Walter joining them. Kahlan and Richard brought up the rear. Kahlan was watching Richard's face. She didn't know if she could even imagine how Richard was feeling. Especially finding out that he was a Rahl. He still insisted on being Richard Cypher. She looked at their intertwined fingers. She asked, ''What are you thinking about, Richard?''
Richard shrugged. ''I'm just thinking that we'll get through this, just like we've gotten through everything else.'' He pulled her closer, so glad that he could hold her that close. Not matter what happened with Darken Rahl and the Keeper, he and Kahlan would be together forever.