Legendland Big Bang
This is my entry for the legendland big bang. My theme is 'The many faces of Kahlan Amnell.' Anyone who has seen LotS knows that Kahlan is an amazing three dimensional character who has so many sides to her. She is tough, strong, loyal, vulnerable, scared, intimidating, powerful and so much more. Through these five short fics and 25 icons I hope I have managed to show the many different sides to this incredible woman :) I also want to say a massive thank you to my beta serendipityxxi
Each fic is taken from a prompt (the title is the prompt) meaning the icons are all artists choice.
Autumn
They walked hand in hand down a winding pathway, thinking not of their destination, only their incredible journey. The sun was setting in the sky and a flock of birds were making their way home to nest for the night.
The path they walked on was pitted with holes and covered in a thin layer of red and golden autumn leaves. The trees lining it at each side were shedding their summer coats and the bare branches stood out starkly against the darkening sky.
She could feel the rough calluses on his hands as they rubbed against her own and could smell his faint scent around her. It was so quiet that the sound of his steady breathing filled her ears and set her heart racing. She glanced at him, and couldn’t help the smile that spread over her features as he looked at her and smiled in return, gently squeezing her hand before looking back to the path in front of him.
They had been through so much together, had experienced so much pain and sadness. It had all been worth it in the end though, the Midlands were saved, the veil was mended and they could be together not only in mind and spirit, but in body too.
The love she felt for him threatened to overwhelm her at times. She had never felt such happiness and had never expected too. She wasn’t meant to have this life, no Confessor was supposed to have this, but she did.
She had to pinch herself sometimes, terrified that it was all just a beautiful dream, but she never woke up. The only times she woke up he was there in their bed, with her, looking into her eyes and telling her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her.
They followed the path and made their way down to a shimmering lake, lit up by the sinking sun, and watched a small form swimming towards them. The shape sent ripples spreading out to the edges of the water and a faint giggle made its way to their ears.
She was the most amazing thing of all. More amazing than Richard’s love for her overcoming her magic, more amazing than anything they had witnessed the past few years.
She had never expected this. To have a child with the man she loved was something she had never thought would be possible. Confessors had always been taught to mate not for love, only to continue the line. She had always distanced herself from male company, always fearing her emotions, but Richard had caught her by surprise. He was the Seeker, it was her duty to protect him, and she hadn’t counted on falling in love with him.
She saw Zedd’s tall form standing watch by the river and smiled as the small shape ran towards them, her dark hair flying out in a mass of curls behind her, Kahlan could hardly breathe. Their daughter, their child that shouldn’t be, was the greatest gift of all.
Not only was she a child born from love, she was the next in a long line of Confessors. She would carry on the magic, and now Kahlan knew true love and happiness was possible, she would never make her pick a mate unless she had found true love.
Fight
The D’Harans had appeared from nowhere, ambushing them as they walked down a lightly worn forest path. She had no idea how they had found them but it was of little consequence.
Zedd began to shoot wizard’s fire at the men and surrounding trees and she soon lost sight of him. She heard the familiar metallic ring as Richard drew the Sword of Truth behind her.
She knew her back was covered so she focused all her attention on the two men in front of her. The first charged towards her, his sword raised high and a roar erupting from his throat. As he swung his sword to cleave her head from her shoulders she quickly ducked down before ramming her elbow into his chest as hard as she could. He grunted and staggered back but it wasn’t long before he had recovered and was charging towards her again, his friend at his side.
She held her daggers in front of her and didn’t let her fear affect her judgement, waiting for them to make their move. She had trained for this, she knew what to do and she could defend herself against these men. In that moment she wasn’t just the Mother Confessor, she was a warrior woman.
The first swung a fist at her. She ducked before coming up quickly and hitting him under the chin with the hilt of her dagger. The force threw his head back and sent droplets of blood flying. Meanwhile the second man, a vile looking beast with missing teeth and a long crooked scar covering his face, tried to slice her in half with his sword. She jumped backwards, the tip barely missing the cloth of her dress. He began to lift his sword to try again but she leapt forward with a scream. She pulled her arm back and thrust her dagger into his neck.
She met her mark and his eyes went wide, shock and pain filling them before they went blank and he slumped to the earth. She spun around quickly to defend herself against the other but she was too slow. She turned her head to try and avoid the blow but his fist slammed into her cheek. The impact sent her sprawling to the ground in a daze.
She lay disoriented, the sounds of battle raging around her as she struggled to remember where she was. She only lay there for a second but it felt like an eternity before she remembered she was fighting for her life. She scrambled to her feet just before his sword met her stomach. Instead it was left impaled in the ground where she had lain just moments ago.
Gathering her wits she charged towards him again, parrying his blows with her own and ducking under his attacks. She became one with her daggers, spinning, crouching, relying on instinct not thought, her hair swirling around with her. She could hear no sound other than her own breathing and heartbeat. She was death to this man. That was the way it would be. There was no other conclusion to their story.
She saw her chance when he dropped his arms briefly. Without wasting a breath she plunged her dagger into his chest, twisting the blade and pushing it up towards his heart at the last moment. The only noise he made was a slight gurgle as blood seeped between his lips and then he slumped to the earth, silent.
Helpless
When her mother died she lost more than just her protector. She lost her innocence, her naivety, her childhood and her father. Everyone that had ever cared about her and had shown her love was gone. Only Dennee was left and she was so young she didn’t understand what had happened.
Realising her fathers love was a lie had been the hardest part. He had always been there for her whenever she had needed him and then, in a flash of light, he had disappeared as her mother’s final breath had left her body. Kahlan hadn’t realised the extent of the power her mother had had over her him until he looked at her and her sister with nothing but fear.
She tried to show him they were good girls and that they would never hurt him but each time she tried to embrace him or show him affection he would flinch and turn away from her. She was only five. She didn’t understand that she held all the power. All she had wanted was for her father to love her and her sister.
It wasn’t long before he began to use them to his own advantage. He soon figured out the best way to control them was to take away the one thing that gave them purpose.
The first time he had bound her hands behind her back she had sobbed uncontrollably, unable to even comfort Dennee. She had never felt so lost. She cursed the spirits for taking their mother away from them and leaving them in this horrible situation, she cursed them for giving her a power she barely understood and she cursed them for giving them such a brutish father.
It never occurred to her that when he unbound her hands she should confess him. He was her father, no matter what he did to them she couldn’t forget the five years where he had been the most wonderful man in her life. It was hard to accept that it was just a lie. She was helpless against his requests to confess any man he felt had wronged him. She was too scared of what he might do if she said no. Would he hurt her, or worse, hurt Dennee?
The next six years were a living nightmare. She grew convinced that they were in the Underworld, being punished for sins she couldn’t remember. Every night he would bind their hands and leave them in the dark with nothing but each other for comfort. She felt the hate growing in her heart as she herself got older but each time she thought she might be able to fight back she faltered. She was scared of failing and what that could mean for the both of them.
When Isabelle had come to their house she had thought they had died and passed over to be with the good spirits. She was like an angel standing in their doorway, her power radiating from her so strongly she felt sure she could see it. She clutched Dennee’s hand as Isabelle spoke to her father and was surprised when she saw him shrinking away from her. She had never seen her father show fear before.
When Isabelle had walked over to them she hadn’t been afraid. For the first time in six years she felt calm and at peace. This woman would not hurt them, she would only protect them. Taking one of their hands in each of her own Isabelle led them out of the house and to a pair of horses. Kahlan lifted herself onto one whilst Dennee sat behind Isabelle, her arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
She looked back one last time at the man that had caused them both so much pain and felt no regret or remorse about leaving him. She turned her face away, smiling over at Dennee, and allowed herself to look to the future with hope in her heart.
Singing
Kahlan knew the people of the Midlands feared her. She also knew they respected her and her power, but more than anything else, they were afraid. Afraid that she would take away the people they cared about with no good reason. Afraid they would lose husbands, sisters, children and parents at her whim.
When they needed her help they weren’t afraid to ask for it. When they felt they had been wronged they would happily let her use her skills, but as soon as her job was done they went back to fearing her.
Didn’t they understand she would never hurt anyone without good reason? She was fair; she sought out the truth and only confessed someone when it was necessary, yet still people avoided her. She had never hurt anyone so why did they fear her so much?
She had learnt to mask how much it hurt to be viewed as a monster. Every day before going to walk among the villagers she would put her Confessor’s face in place and do her job as she had been taught, but inside it broke her heart. She craved more human interaction than just her sister and other Confessors. She wanted physical contact; she wanted friends she could embrace who would not flinch away from her. She wanted to fall in love and not have to just pick a mate to continue the line of Confessors.
Sometimes her frustrations would threaten to overwhelm her. Whenever she felt it starting to happen she would flee into the forest. She would run through the trees as fast as she could, the branches whipping at her face and arms and her dress flying out behind her, until she found a quiet spot where she wouldn’t be disturbed.
Panting to catch her breath she would hide until night fell before venturing out to look up at the stars, never failing to be in awed at their beauty. Being in this place, looking up at the sky, she would be reminded of her place in the world. She was just one small part of the circle of creation. She was playing her role and she was doing it well and with dignity. Even when she felt herself stumble or her resolve begin to break she would always find her way back.
Fully recovered from her exertions, and eyes still on the stars, she would take a deep breath and begin to sing. She didn’t like to sing in front of people, but alone in the forest she would pour her heart and soul into the song, lifting her voice up to the stars and letting it soar as high as far as it could go. She would focus all her frustration and hurt into the words and, as she sang, she would feel the weight lifting from her shoulders. It was as if the good spirits themselves were relieving her of all her burdens.
She didn’t like to sing in front of others, but the Sisters at Thandor had heard her one night and told her that her voice was a gift from the creator and that she should nurture it. She still wasn’t sure about singing in front of others, she didn’t know if she could ever be that comfortable with someone, but alone in her clearing she felt that she could sing all the way to the stars.
Strawberries
“Kahlan, we know you tried to hide it from us but we know what today is.”
She looked up from the warming camp fire at the faces staring expectantly at her.
“I’m sorry,” she shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
“Oh come on Kahlan,” said Richard, sitting down next to her and bumping her with his shoulder. “You can’t hide the truth from me. I am the Seeker after all.” He grinned cheekily at her, his eyes alight with the knowledge he believed he possessed.
“Richard, I truly have no idea what you are talking about.”
He looked confused before turning to Zedd. “I thought you said…?”
“I am right, dear boy,” he replied. “The Mother Confessor here must not be aware of the date.”
“You’re not wrong,” she replied. “I’m not even sure I know what month it is.”
“It’s August,” replied Zedd, a glint in his eyes.
“August,” she replied slowly. “You mean it’s my…?”
“Yes!” Zedd exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air. “Happy Birthday Kahlan!”
Richard threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly and making her heart catch in her throat.
“We weren’t able to get you much, we haven’t been near a town since Zedd realised the date, but we did manage to get these.” Said Richard as he carefully reached into his backpack and drew out a small bag.
He handed her the bag and sat back expectantly, waiting for her to open it.
“Richard, Zedd, you really didn’t have to.”
“Yes we did Kahlan,” replied Zedd solemnly. “We may be fighting for our lives and for the Midlands but that’s no excuse to forget important occasions, and I’d say the birth of the Mother Confessor is a very important occasion.”
She smiled, embarrassed, as she opened up the small package, gasping when she saw what was inside. She looked up at both of them, hardly understanding what she was seeing.
“Strawberries! By the spirits how did you manage this? I haven’t seen strawberries in years!”
“I know a man, who knows a man, and he owed me a favour,” replied Zedd smugly. “It was a simple matter really.”
“I wanted to get you something special,” said Richard quietly. “You told me how much you loved strawberries so I spoke to Zedd. He promised me he could get some and he did.”
She felt a single tear escaping her eye. It was a tear of happiness, something she rarely seemed to shed these days. She hugged Richard tightly, before moving over to Zedd and wrapping her arms around his waist and embracing him tightly.
“Thank you both so much,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. “You have no idea how much this means to me. Before my mother died she would buy strawberries for us. It was a special treat that we all looked forward to. I have so many happy memories of sitting with my mother and sister, picking out the stems and laughing as the juice would run down our faces.”
She sat down by the fire and passed round the precious bounty, laughing as Zedd stuffed his entire share into his mouth at once. Richard was more carful with his, extracting the stem with care before popping the strawberry whole into his mouth and grinning at her.
“Thank you both again,” she said quietly. “This is the best birthday I’ve had for a very long time.”
And now for icons! Yay!
ARTIST'S CHOICE
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Each fic is taken from a prompt (the title is the prompt) meaning the icons are all artists choice.
Autumn
They walked hand in hand down a winding pathway, thinking not of their destination, only their incredible journey. The sun was setting in the sky and a flock of birds were making their way home to nest for the night.
The path they walked on was pitted with holes and covered in a thin layer of red and golden autumn leaves. The trees lining it at each side were shedding their summer coats and the bare branches stood out starkly against the darkening sky.
She could feel the rough calluses on his hands as they rubbed against her own and could smell his faint scent around her. It was so quiet that the sound of his steady breathing filled her ears and set her heart racing. She glanced at him, and couldn’t help the smile that spread over her features as he looked at her and smiled in return, gently squeezing her hand before looking back to the path in front of him.
They had been through so much together, had experienced so much pain and sadness. It had all been worth it in the end though, the Midlands were saved, the veil was mended and they could be together not only in mind and spirit, but in body too.
The love she felt for him threatened to overwhelm her at times. She had never felt such happiness and had never expected too. She wasn’t meant to have this life, no Confessor was supposed to have this, but she did.
She had to pinch herself sometimes, terrified that it was all just a beautiful dream, but she never woke up. The only times she woke up he was there in their bed, with her, looking into her eyes and telling her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her.
They followed the path and made their way down to a shimmering lake, lit up by the sinking sun, and watched a small form swimming towards them. The shape sent ripples spreading out to the edges of the water and a faint giggle made its way to their ears.
She was the most amazing thing of all. More amazing than Richard’s love for her overcoming her magic, more amazing than anything they had witnessed the past few years.
She had never expected this. To have a child with the man she loved was something she had never thought would be possible. Confessors had always been taught to mate not for love, only to continue the line. She had always distanced herself from male company, always fearing her emotions, but Richard had caught her by surprise. He was the Seeker, it was her duty to protect him, and she hadn’t counted on falling in love with him.
She saw Zedd’s tall form standing watch by the river and smiled as the small shape ran towards them, her dark hair flying out in a mass of curls behind her, Kahlan could hardly breathe. Their daughter, their child that shouldn’t be, was the greatest gift of all.
Not only was she a child born from love, she was the next in a long line of Confessors. She would carry on the magic, and now Kahlan knew true love and happiness was possible, she would never make her pick a mate unless she had found true love.
Fight
The D’Harans had appeared from nowhere, ambushing them as they walked down a lightly worn forest path. She had no idea how they had found them but it was of little consequence.
Zedd began to shoot wizard’s fire at the men and surrounding trees and she soon lost sight of him. She heard the familiar metallic ring as Richard drew the Sword of Truth behind her.
She knew her back was covered so she focused all her attention on the two men in front of her. The first charged towards her, his sword raised high and a roar erupting from his throat. As he swung his sword to cleave her head from her shoulders she quickly ducked down before ramming her elbow into his chest as hard as she could. He grunted and staggered back but it wasn’t long before he had recovered and was charging towards her again, his friend at his side.
She held her daggers in front of her and didn’t let her fear affect her judgement, waiting for them to make their move. She had trained for this, she knew what to do and she could defend herself against these men. In that moment she wasn’t just the Mother Confessor, she was a warrior woman.
The first swung a fist at her. She ducked before coming up quickly and hitting him under the chin with the hilt of her dagger. The force threw his head back and sent droplets of blood flying. Meanwhile the second man, a vile looking beast with missing teeth and a long crooked scar covering his face, tried to slice her in half with his sword. She jumped backwards, the tip barely missing the cloth of her dress. He began to lift his sword to try again but she leapt forward with a scream. She pulled her arm back and thrust her dagger into his neck.
She met her mark and his eyes went wide, shock and pain filling them before they went blank and he slumped to the earth. She spun around quickly to defend herself against the other but she was too slow. She turned her head to try and avoid the blow but his fist slammed into her cheek. The impact sent her sprawling to the ground in a daze.
She lay disoriented, the sounds of battle raging around her as she struggled to remember where she was. She only lay there for a second but it felt like an eternity before she remembered she was fighting for her life. She scrambled to her feet just before his sword met her stomach. Instead it was left impaled in the ground where she had lain just moments ago.
Gathering her wits she charged towards him again, parrying his blows with her own and ducking under his attacks. She became one with her daggers, spinning, crouching, relying on instinct not thought, her hair swirling around with her. She could hear no sound other than her own breathing and heartbeat. She was death to this man. That was the way it would be. There was no other conclusion to their story.
She saw her chance when he dropped his arms briefly. Without wasting a breath she plunged her dagger into his chest, twisting the blade and pushing it up towards his heart at the last moment. The only noise he made was a slight gurgle as blood seeped between his lips and then he slumped to the earth, silent.
Helpless
When her mother died she lost more than just her protector. She lost her innocence, her naivety, her childhood and her father. Everyone that had ever cared about her and had shown her love was gone. Only Dennee was left and she was so young she didn’t understand what had happened.
Realising her fathers love was a lie had been the hardest part. He had always been there for her whenever she had needed him and then, in a flash of light, he had disappeared as her mother’s final breath had left her body. Kahlan hadn’t realised the extent of the power her mother had had over her him until he looked at her and her sister with nothing but fear.
She tried to show him they were good girls and that they would never hurt him but each time she tried to embrace him or show him affection he would flinch and turn away from her. She was only five. She didn’t understand that she held all the power. All she had wanted was for her father to love her and her sister.
It wasn’t long before he began to use them to his own advantage. He soon figured out the best way to control them was to take away the one thing that gave them purpose.
The first time he had bound her hands behind her back she had sobbed uncontrollably, unable to even comfort Dennee. She had never felt so lost. She cursed the spirits for taking their mother away from them and leaving them in this horrible situation, she cursed them for giving her a power she barely understood and she cursed them for giving them such a brutish father.
It never occurred to her that when he unbound her hands she should confess him. He was her father, no matter what he did to them she couldn’t forget the five years where he had been the most wonderful man in her life. It was hard to accept that it was just a lie. She was helpless against his requests to confess any man he felt had wronged him. She was too scared of what he might do if she said no. Would he hurt her, or worse, hurt Dennee?
The next six years were a living nightmare. She grew convinced that they were in the Underworld, being punished for sins she couldn’t remember. Every night he would bind their hands and leave them in the dark with nothing but each other for comfort. She felt the hate growing in her heart as she herself got older but each time she thought she might be able to fight back she faltered. She was scared of failing and what that could mean for the both of them.
When Isabelle had come to their house she had thought they had died and passed over to be with the good spirits. She was like an angel standing in their doorway, her power radiating from her so strongly she felt sure she could see it. She clutched Dennee’s hand as Isabelle spoke to her father and was surprised when she saw him shrinking away from her. She had never seen her father show fear before.
When Isabelle had walked over to them she hadn’t been afraid. For the first time in six years she felt calm and at peace. This woman would not hurt them, she would only protect them. Taking one of their hands in each of her own Isabelle led them out of the house and to a pair of horses. Kahlan lifted herself onto one whilst Dennee sat behind Isabelle, her arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
She looked back one last time at the man that had caused them both so much pain and felt no regret or remorse about leaving him. She turned her face away, smiling over at Dennee, and allowed herself to look to the future with hope in her heart.
Singing
Kahlan knew the people of the Midlands feared her. She also knew they respected her and her power, but more than anything else, they were afraid. Afraid that she would take away the people they cared about with no good reason. Afraid they would lose husbands, sisters, children and parents at her whim.
When they needed her help they weren’t afraid to ask for it. When they felt they had been wronged they would happily let her use her skills, but as soon as her job was done they went back to fearing her.
Didn’t they understand she would never hurt anyone without good reason? She was fair; she sought out the truth and only confessed someone when it was necessary, yet still people avoided her. She had never hurt anyone so why did they fear her so much?
She had learnt to mask how much it hurt to be viewed as a monster. Every day before going to walk among the villagers she would put her Confessor’s face in place and do her job as she had been taught, but inside it broke her heart. She craved more human interaction than just her sister and other Confessors. She wanted physical contact; she wanted friends she could embrace who would not flinch away from her. She wanted to fall in love and not have to just pick a mate to continue the line of Confessors.
Sometimes her frustrations would threaten to overwhelm her. Whenever she felt it starting to happen she would flee into the forest. She would run through the trees as fast as she could, the branches whipping at her face and arms and her dress flying out behind her, until she found a quiet spot where she wouldn’t be disturbed.
Panting to catch her breath she would hide until night fell before venturing out to look up at the stars, never failing to be in awed at their beauty. Being in this place, looking up at the sky, she would be reminded of her place in the world. She was just one small part of the circle of creation. She was playing her role and she was doing it well and with dignity. Even when she felt herself stumble or her resolve begin to break she would always find her way back.
Fully recovered from her exertions, and eyes still on the stars, she would take a deep breath and begin to sing. She didn’t like to sing in front of people, but alone in the forest she would pour her heart and soul into the song, lifting her voice up to the stars and letting it soar as high as far as it could go. She would focus all her frustration and hurt into the words and, as she sang, she would feel the weight lifting from her shoulders. It was as if the good spirits themselves were relieving her of all her burdens.
She didn’t like to sing in front of others, but the Sisters at Thandor had heard her one night and told her that her voice was a gift from the creator and that she should nurture it. She still wasn’t sure about singing in front of others, she didn’t know if she could ever be that comfortable with someone, but alone in her clearing she felt that she could sing all the way to the stars.
Strawberries
“Kahlan, we know you tried to hide it from us but we know what today is.”
She looked up from the warming camp fire at the faces staring expectantly at her.
“I’m sorry,” she shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
“Oh come on Kahlan,” said Richard, sitting down next to her and bumping her with his shoulder. “You can’t hide the truth from me. I am the Seeker after all.” He grinned cheekily at her, his eyes alight with the knowledge he believed he possessed.
“Richard, I truly have no idea what you are talking about.”
He looked confused before turning to Zedd. “I thought you said…?”
“I am right, dear boy,” he replied. “The Mother Confessor here must not be aware of the date.”
“You’re not wrong,” she replied. “I’m not even sure I know what month it is.”
“It’s August,” replied Zedd, a glint in his eyes.
“August,” she replied slowly. “You mean it’s my…?”
“Yes!” Zedd exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air. “Happy Birthday Kahlan!”
Richard threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly and making her heart catch in her throat.
“We weren’t able to get you much, we haven’t been near a town since Zedd realised the date, but we did manage to get these.” Said Richard as he carefully reached into his backpack and drew out a small bag.
He handed her the bag and sat back expectantly, waiting for her to open it.
“Richard, Zedd, you really didn’t have to.”
“Yes we did Kahlan,” replied Zedd solemnly. “We may be fighting for our lives and for the Midlands but that’s no excuse to forget important occasions, and I’d say the birth of the Mother Confessor is a very important occasion.”
She smiled, embarrassed, as she opened up the small package, gasping when she saw what was inside. She looked up at both of them, hardly understanding what she was seeing.
“Strawberries! By the spirits how did you manage this? I haven’t seen strawberries in years!”
“I know a man, who knows a man, and he owed me a favour,” replied Zedd smugly. “It was a simple matter really.”
“I wanted to get you something special,” said Richard quietly. “You told me how much you loved strawberries so I spoke to Zedd. He promised me he could get some and he did.”
She felt a single tear escaping her eye. It was a tear of happiness, something she rarely seemed to shed these days. She hugged Richard tightly, before moving over to Zedd and wrapping her arms around his waist and embracing him tightly.
“Thank you both so much,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. “You have no idea how much this means to me. Before my mother died she would buy strawberries for us. It was a special treat that we all looked forward to. I have so many happy memories of sitting with my mother and sister, picking out the stems and laughing as the juice would run down our faces.”
She sat down by the fire and passed round the precious bounty, laughing as Zedd stuffed his entire share into his mouth at once. Richard was more carful with his, extracting the stem with care before popping the strawberry whole into his mouth and grinning at her.
“Thank you both again,” she said quietly. “This is the best birthday I’ve had for a very long time.”
And now for icons! Yay!
ARTIST'S CHOICE
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