LotS Fic: The Scars of Your Love [1/3]
Title: The Scars of Your Love [1/3]
Author: synergyfox
Pairing: Cara/Dahlia... I suppose it would also be considered unrequited Cara/Kahlan but still like acknowledged?
Rating: M
Warnings: Angst, crack, family issues, birds-and-the-bees... life? Oh and edits are slowly being made - my eyes are droopy however.
Word Count: 3, 254
Disclaimer: Trust me, it's a good thing I don't own LotS because there would be a lot more nekkid and Mord'Sith.
Summary: A chance to right past wrongs.
This would be the... sequel to Crimson Regret.
This also has a massively epic thank you to jolo_65 for being there, to thedawn for prodding and helping and being there and to evanevieveblackfor checking shit... and those three's constant "get me out of writer's block" epicness. Also... everyone else who's just that badass.
Getting part one out is a belated birthday gift to jolo_65 (seriously she puts up with my shenanigans)
0.
It was snowing.
She was on her knees, clutching Cara's body - ignoring the cold of the slowly freezing earth. Kahlan bit back a sob, wishing the woman would wake up just to see the snowfall. Cara loved snow, it wasn't right that she would not see it again. Kahlan kept her head down, lips pressed firmly to the top of Cara's head, ignoring everything in the clearing of the ancient black wood forest.
A storm of emotions and thoughts had her now. She questioned every action and embraced the guilt pounding against her reserves.
Comfort washed over her and Kahlan let out a soft whimper, trying to push the feelings of safety and peace far from her. She would kneel here with Cara in her arms for an eternity if she had to.
If it meant she could still be near her, Kahlan would brave the fires of the Underworld.
A light warmth pressed against her cheek, barely there against the chill of the snow. Kahlan forced herself to lift her head, not knowing if she should be thankful as her tears mingled with the snowflakes.
A wisp hovered in front of her, silent and solemn. They watched each other, sharing in their sorrow and grief. It was a long while before either spoke. The wisp moved forward, settling on her shoulder with a series of soft hums and chirps.
Sounds she had always been able to understand.
Until now.
The low sound was more annoying than anything as she brought her hand up, tangling her fingers in Cara's hair. “I’m sorry…”
The dull hue of the wisp brightened in irritation from the lack of attention Kahlan was paying to it. More wisps were surrounding them, casting a soft light.
The chirping became clearer as she forced herself to look at the tiny, magical creatures.
“A second chance.” She closed her eyes, it was hard to understand it but she did.
I.
Confusion.
There was no other word to describe the current emotions coursing through her veins at the moment. The scene in front of her couldn't be real - she had to be dreaming. Dahlia was moving around the small dining area as she carried a pot of fresh stew. The sway of her hips was barely masked by the light blue peasant's dress.
Four of who she assumed to be members of the Red Guard sat around the table, their attire similar to what Sam had first presented himself to her in. The boy in question was sitting with his arm slung around a redheaded girl’s waist, charming smile turned on full force.
“I think you would look lovely on my arm for the summer festival.”
“I don’t know, I think you would look lovelier on my arm at the summer festival.” The girl retorted, “a nice dress might suit you.”
Sam grinned even more, eyes sparkling with mischief, “I’ll wear a dress if you go with me to the summer festival. I’ll even let you pick out the underclothes.”
Kahlan turned, smiling softly when she saw her daughter sitting with an elbow on the table, talking quietly with Lucius.
Tears threatened to fall as she watched everyone interact - they were a family.
Splintering wood drew her attention away from the affectionate smile gracing Cara’s lips as she tried to pull Dahlia onto her lap. Everyone was on their feet in seconds and one of the Guard kicked the table over onto its side to keep a dark-skinned beast from tackling any of them.
“Dahlia! Get the children into the bedroom!” Cara snarled, latching onto one of the dinner knives that had scattered to the ground. “Lock the door.” The blonde lunged towards the creature with a feral glint in her eye, clutching the handle of the knife hard enough to turn her knuckles white.
II.
Kahlan bit her lower lip as her surroundings changed, her stomach twisted. Cara was sitting on an old stump, back resting against the side of the homey cottage with her blades resting on her upper thighs. The former Mord'Sith had the tip of her tongue between her teeth as she worked oil into her blades, completely focused.
"Mom?"
Cara lifted her head, blinded by the sun for a few moments before smiling at her daughter. "Hey." She placed her swords down on the cloth next to her and Sonia moved forward, taking a seat on the ground next to her mother. Kahlan moved closer to the two, leaning against the wall of the house - watching the two.
Sonia shifted, green eyes alight with curiosity.
"What is it?" Cara turned slowly, resting her elbows on her knees with an encouraging smile. "Something is bugging you."
Sonia chewed on her lower lip, radiating nervousness. "How... how do you... please a man?"
Kahlan nearly fell over at Sonia's question and from the change in Cara's posture it caught her off guard just as much.
"I... well..."
If the situation hadn't been so serious she would have found Cara's hesitance amusing. The woman was never hesitant.
"It isn't about how you can please him, it's about how he can please you sweetie."
Kahlan's eyes narrowed dangerously as she whipped her head around, looking towards the door where Dahlia was standing - holding a bowl of freshly sliced green apples.
Irritation.
"Don't you tell my daughter about these things. She's not old enough!" It came out in a harsh growl and she knew they couldn't hear her.
"But he's really good at pleasing me, and he seems to really enjoy it too. I just want to make him feel good as well."
She could see the muscles in Cara's back tighten under the loose, red shirt. It hung oddly on her, like she used it to sleep in and it certainly wasn't made for the female form.
"Lucius?" Cara's voice was tight and Kahlan watched as the woman she loved restrained herself from going after the boy - wherever he was.
Sonia nodded her head, blushing bright, "I... I tell him to please himself... but I want to make him happy. Make him feel like he makes me feel."
Dahlia took a seat next to the teen, offering her the bowl of apple slices while Cara tried to get a hold of herself. Sonia let out a soft sigh and leaned over, resting her head on Cara's knees. "I... you've both always said that Sam and I can come to you for anything." Cara let out a small breath, leaning down to kiss the top of Sonia's head, letting her arms fall around the girl's shoulders.
"Alright."
"Oh... no, Cara don't scar her for life, please don't get too graphic." Kahlan was horrified at the potential damage Cara could do; the woman didn't know how to selectively provide information.
Cara opened her mouth after pulling back, only to be stopped by Dahlia tentatively clearing her throat. "Why don't you let me talk to her about it?"
Kahlan released a breath just as Cara did, "remind me to send you and Garen to somewhere romantic if I ever get the chance." She watched as Sonia nodded her head, standing with the help of the other woman. Cara closed her eyes and turned, resting her head against the wall of the hand built cabin, a frown etched deep into her features.
"Loath as I am to admit it, I don't know how to deal with these things. I wish you were here." Kahlan moved to crouch in front of Cara, listening to her whispered truth. "She needs a mother's touch and a Confessor's guidance... I can't give her both."
Her heart shattered and Kahlan closed her eyes, crouching in front of Cara, "I'm going to make it right Cara. I swear." Tears escaped as she let her head rest on the Cara's thigh, inhaling the scent of the clove oil she had been using to polish her swords.
When she opened her eyes again the world was shifting once more, slowly fading, colors changing and blending together.
III.
When everything came into focus once more, Kahlan was kneeling in the kitchen on the hard wood floor - smooth from the constant use over the years.
Heavy breathing.
A moan.
Kahlan shot up from where she was crouched, eyes wide - bracing herself against the large, oak block being used as a kitchen island.
Her jaw slackened at the sight before her and silently hoped that her eyes were deceiving her. Kahlan ducked down again, blinking rapidly to clear her vision. When she came back up Cara was still laying on her back on the floor with Dahlia still on top of her, arm moving rapidly between their bodies.
"Dahlia..." Cara moaned, arching under the taller woman.
The Confessor ducked down again, hand over her mouth in shock.
"I don't want to see this... I don't want to hear this."
Something crashed and Kahlan chanced another peek, peering around the corner tentatively. A chair was overturned, probably kicked by one of Cara's legs. She groaned and closed her eyes, ducking behind the well placed barrier.
Maybe this was the underworld... just missing its green hue.
Cara was doing something, she could tell by the way Dahlia moaned - low and primal. Jealousy coursed through her as their moans and pants increased in tempo, synchronizing in the way passionate lovers did. She had no right to be jealous of course, letting Cara go had been her fault.
The moans grew louder.
Kahlan's eyes narrowed dangerously when something else crashed on the other side of her protective shield and Cara came. She would know that sound anywhere - she'd caused it to escape Cara's lips enough times.
Except now it was Dahlia's name on Cara's lips.
Tears threatened to fall and she chanced another glance around once more; Cara was on top now.
A door opened.
"Shit." Both women hissed and scrambled up, grabbing clothes as they rushed around. Kahlan smiled when she saw Cara tug her dark pants up, jumping slightly as she did so. They were similar to the leathers she wore before, just made of some kind of cloth.
She liked them.
Dahlia threw on a deep, crimson shirt - Cara's.
"Go get washed up!" Dahlia laughed, shoving a pile of clothes into Cara's arms before pushing her towards a door.
"You're one to talk; you just had your fingers-"
Kahlan stood, caught between relief and anger when Dahlia cut the blonde off with a gentle kiss. "I am well aware of where my fingers were. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to wash my hands and finish dinner. Three hungry teenagers, two of your guardsmen and two dogs to feed? As well as ourselves? They're lucky we had a deer carcass ready."
"Mother! Aunt Dahlia. We're home, where are you?"
With a smack on the ass Cara was through the door into the bedroom and Dahlia was turning, aiming for the washbasin near the back door. "In the kitchen! Make sure your shoes are off or I'll feed you all to the monsters in the woods."
A chorus of varying affirmatives filled the home.
This should have been her and Cara, or at least something similar to it - in Aydindril. Kahlan closed her eyes and smiled softly, leaning against the counter as she tried to picture what could have been.
"Go get yourself cleaned up."
Her eyes snapped open.
Cara was pressed against Dahlia's back, arms locked around the other woman's waist. "But I like wearing your shirt..."
"I'm sure you do. Go get changed and freshened up."
Dahlia turned in Cara's arms, stealing a kiss from the shorter blonde. "You had better finish what you started later." Dahlia warned and Cara grinned, licking her upper lip with the tip of her tongue.
"Gross mom."
Kahlan's eyes snapped to the other side of the room where a group was filing in. Two men, Sam, Sonia and Lucius (the latter of whom was trailing after Sonia - a look of devotion in his eyes), moving as one towards the dining table.
"Shut up, Sam. It's sweet." Sonia was at that age, Kahlan's lips twitched in a smile. "Boys. No appreciation for romance."
And then she saw it.
Lucius' dark brown eyes were zeroed in on her daughter's backside as he nodded his head in agreement. "Just where do you think your eyes are, young man!? You're confessed! Not an idiot!"
Everything started to fade once more, colors blending together.
Her stomach churned - she was truly beginning to hate these shifts.
The colors were dizzying.
IV.
Kahlan smiled at the adorable look on Cara's face as she sat on the chair in the dining area, poking experimentally at the deformed cake. Sam sat at her side, poking at the thing with the tip of one of Cara’s knives.
It didn’t even make a dent.
“Mom… shouldn’t the blade penetrate the cake?”
Cara pursed her lips in distaste, nodding her head without a sound as Sam returned to prodding his mother’s creation. A door opened in the house and Cara let her head drop forward onto the table with a bang, the three other members of the Mason family traipsing in.
“If you get rid of the evidence of my failure and ride into town to get a cake from Miss Beth I will buy you any weapon you want from the smithy.”
Green eyes widened with the possibilities and Kahlan felt herself groan, moving her hand to her forehead in dismay; she knew Cara all too well. Knowing Sam’s luck he’d end up lugging home a battle-axe far too large for him and get a lecture on the proper handling of two-handed weaponry.
Sam moved fast, snatching the failure of a cake up and tucking it close to his body before leaving the house in a mad dash. “Hi Aunt Dahlia! Bye Aunt Dahlia!”
Laughter filled the house as soon as he was gone - the poor boy’s voice was breaking with the first sign of puberty.
V.
"Please, mom?"
Kahlan's lips twitched upwards as Sam and Sonia looked up at Cara, green eyes shining with hope and un-shed tears.
"Absolutely not." Cara grunted, crossing her arms defensively over her chest, sitting comfortably upon the hand carved, wooden bench.
Sam immediately scrambled up, crawling onto his mother's lap; he was followed closely by Sonia who curled into Cara's side. The Mord'Sith sighed and wrapped her arms securely around both children - abandoning her previous protection, her first mistake.
"Please dance with Aunt Dahlia?" Sonia's voice was pleading and innocent, Kahlan could see Cara begin to crack just at that alone.
Cara let loose a sigh, turning her head to rest her chin on top of Sonia's head, "I don't dance."
"You do to! Aunt Dahlia said you danced with the Mother Confessor at your wedding."
"And at balls!" Sam chimed in, grinning triumphantly.
They had both done their research but both were too innocent to recognize the haunted look in Cara's eyes.
"Very well, but I warned you - I do not dance." Kahlan tensed, watching as Cara shifted Sam off of her lap and stood, moving with purpose towards Dahlia. "May I cut in?"
The tall man rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm tighter around the woman, pulling her closer to his chest. "Yes." Dahlia muttered, pushing him away hard enough to cause the man to stumble. "My feet could definitely use a break from that blundering, ass groping idiot."
A genuine smirk.
Cara placed her hands comfortably against Dahlia's body, "your poor feet."
"I may have bruises in the morning from his constant handling of my ass."
Hours passed and Kahlan amused herself with watching Sam attempt to dance with a girl much too tall for him while Sonia and Lucius danced around carelessly. When she turned her attention fully back onto Cara and Dahlia jealousy struck.
Unadulterated jealousy.
It was becoming a common emotion when Cara and Dahlia interacted with each other.
The emotion was warranted now, however, as the two women danced and Dahlia caused a genuine smile to grace Cara's lips. Cara only danced with her, Dahlia had no right.
And yet here she was, body pressed intimately close to Cara's as they swayed to the slow rhythm. "I'm glad you're allowing yourself to relax." Dahlia whispered, grinning when Cara continued to lead.
"I am merely giving into the children's constant nagging. You know I cannot stand tears, especially not from Sonia."
Dahlia let out a low laugh, drawing small, meaningless patterns against Cara's back. "Well Sonia is cuddled up against Lucius, fast asleep and Sam has a crush on that older girl over there. I suspect he's already managed to break her heart - falling asleep on her lap." Both Cara and Kahlan turned their heads, searching for the children.
"She's going to fall in love with him..." Cara whispered, resting her head on Dahlia's shoulder as soon as she spotted the young Confessor. She was sprawled out on top of Lucius, both children passed out from a long day of dancing and running around enjoying the festival's entertainment.
The blonde scanned the crowd once more, smirking when she found that Sam was indeed resting on a young woman's lap, unbothered by the loud music and laughter around him. "We should get them to the tavern."
It took but a few minutes for the women to get their children situated, Cara groaned, holding both Sonia and Lucius. "Is that a complaint I hear? All these years out of your leathers have left you... squishy." Cara pursed her lips, glowering at Dahlia as she resituated the two against her body.
"You're only carrying one relatively light eleven-year-old whereas I am carrying two. I reserve the right to complain, they are clearly too old to be carried."
"Then wake them up."
"Absolutely not!"
Both Dahlia and Kahlan smirked.
VI.
Kahlan stared.
Cara was stuttering and shifting from foot-to-foot as she tried to come up with a proper answer to whatever it was that the twins asked about. She had just appeared in the middle of the conversation, not hearing the question her children inquired upon.
“So if babies are made when a man puts his man parts in a woman’s woman parts… then how did you have us with the Mother Confessor? You both have women parts.”
The skin on Cara’s neck gave off a faint pink hue as she cleared her throat and tried her best not to look uncomfortable. Her face quickly became a mask of seriousness, “it works because it does, now go do something productive.”
This did not deter the two ten-year-olds as they simply continued to stare up at her, demanding a proper answer to sate their curiosities. It was Dahlia who swooped in and saved the unraveling blonde from her fate, all smiles and toting a platter of freshly cut food. “Usually when a man puts his man parts in a woman’s womanly parts it produces a child. But sometimes when a woman loves another woman and powerful magic is involved then that makes a baby.”
“But then how to two women make a boy?” Sam asked, frowning.
“Powerful magic and prophecy tend to throw everyone for a loop.”
The twins nodded their, scurrying off to play around with their canine companions out in the yard, “thank you…” Cara muttered, looking just a little bit frustrated at her inability to answer the children’s questions in the manner they wanted.
A/N: Like oh em gee, part one of three you see? And most of the other parts are already written? What's in store, what's in store? What's going on? Never know with my mind, right?
Author: synergyfox
Pairing: Cara/Dahlia... I suppose it would also be considered unrequited Cara/Kahlan but still like acknowledged?
Rating: M
Warnings: Angst, crack, family issues, birds-and-the-bees... life? Oh and edits are slowly being made - my eyes are droopy however.
Word Count: 3, 254
Disclaimer: Trust me, it's a good thing I don't own LotS because there would be a lot more nekkid and Mord'Sith.
Summary: A chance to right past wrongs.
This would be the... sequel to Crimson Regret.
This also has a massively epic thank you to jolo_65 for being there, to thedawn for prodding and helping and being there and to evanevieveblackfor checking shit... and those three's constant "get me out of writer's block" epicness. Also... everyone else who's just that badass.
Getting part one out is a belated birthday gift to jolo_65 (seriously she puts up with my shenanigans)
0.
It was snowing.
She was on her knees, clutching Cara's body - ignoring the cold of the slowly freezing earth. Kahlan bit back a sob, wishing the woman would wake up just to see the snowfall. Cara loved snow, it wasn't right that she would not see it again. Kahlan kept her head down, lips pressed firmly to the top of Cara's head, ignoring everything in the clearing of the ancient black wood forest.
A storm of emotions and thoughts had her now. She questioned every action and embraced the guilt pounding against her reserves.
Comfort washed over her and Kahlan let out a soft whimper, trying to push the feelings of safety and peace far from her. She would kneel here with Cara in her arms for an eternity if she had to.
If it meant she could still be near her, Kahlan would brave the fires of the Underworld.
A light warmth pressed against her cheek, barely there against the chill of the snow. Kahlan forced herself to lift her head, not knowing if she should be thankful as her tears mingled with the snowflakes.
A wisp hovered in front of her, silent and solemn. They watched each other, sharing in their sorrow and grief. It was a long while before either spoke. The wisp moved forward, settling on her shoulder with a series of soft hums and chirps.
Sounds she had always been able to understand.
Until now.
The low sound was more annoying than anything as she brought her hand up, tangling her fingers in Cara's hair. “I’m sorry…”
The dull hue of the wisp brightened in irritation from the lack of attention Kahlan was paying to it. More wisps were surrounding them, casting a soft light.
The chirping became clearer as she forced herself to look at the tiny, magical creatures.
“A second chance.” She closed her eyes, it was hard to understand it but she did.
I.
Confusion.
There was no other word to describe the current emotions coursing through her veins at the moment. The scene in front of her couldn't be real - she had to be dreaming. Dahlia was moving around the small dining area as she carried a pot of fresh stew. The sway of her hips was barely masked by the light blue peasant's dress.
Four of who she assumed to be members of the Red Guard sat around the table, their attire similar to what Sam had first presented himself to her in. The boy in question was sitting with his arm slung around a redheaded girl’s waist, charming smile turned on full force.
“I think you would look lovely on my arm for the summer festival.”
“I don’t know, I think you would look lovelier on my arm at the summer festival.” The girl retorted, “a nice dress might suit you.”
Sam grinned even more, eyes sparkling with mischief, “I’ll wear a dress if you go with me to the summer festival. I’ll even let you pick out the underclothes.”
Kahlan turned, smiling softly when she saw her daughter sitting with an elbow on the table, talking quietly with Lucius.
Tears threatened to fall as she watched everyone interact - they were a family.
Splintering wood drew her attention away from the affectionate smile gracing Cara’s lips as she tried to pull Dahlia onto her lap. Everyone was on their feet in seconds and one of the Guard kicked the table over onto its side to keep a dark-skinned beast from tackling any of them.
“Dahlia! Get the children into the bedroom!” Cara snarled, latching onto one of the dinner knives that had scattered to the ground. “Lock the door.” The blonde lunged towards the creature with a feral glint in her eye, clutching the handle of the knife hard enough to turn her knuckles white.
II.
Kahlan bit her lower lip as her surroundings changed, her stomach twisted. Cara was sitting on an old stump, back resting against the side of the homey cottage with her blades resting on her upper thighs. The former Mord'Sith had the tip of her tongue between her teeth as she worked oil into her blades, completely focused.
"Mom?"
Cara lifted her head, blinded by the sun for a few moments before smiling at her daughter. "Hey." She placed her swords down on the cloth next to her and Sonia moved forward, taking a seat on the ground next to her mother. Kahlan moved closer to the two, leaning against the wall of the house - watching the two.
Sonia shifted, green eyes alight with curiosity.
"What is it?" Cara turned slowly, resting her elbows on her knees with an encouraging smile. "Something is bugging you."
Sonia chewed on her lower lip, radiating nervousness. "How... how do you... please a man?"
Kahlan nearly fell over at Sonia's question and from the change in Cara's posture it caught her off guard just as much.
"I... well..."
If the situation hadn't been so serious she would have found Cara's hesitance amusing. The woman was never hesitant.
"It isn't about how you can please him, it's about how he can please you sweetie."
Kahlan's eyes narrowed dangerously as she whipped her head around, looking towards the door where Dahlia was standing - holding a bowl of freshly sliced green apples.
Irritation.
"Don't you tell my daughter about these things. She's not old enough!" It came out in a harsh growl and she knew they couldn't hear her.
"But he's really good at pleasing me, and he seems to really enjoy it too. I just want to make him feel good as well."
She could see the muscles in Cara's back tighten under the loose, red shirt. It hung oddly on her, like she used it to sleep in and it certainly wasn't made for the female form.
"Lucius?" Cara's voice was tight and Kahlan watched as the woman she loved restrained herself from going after the boy - wherever he was.
Sonia nodded her head, blushing bright, "I... I tell him to please himself... but I want to make him happy. Make him feel like he makes me feel."
Dahlia took a seat next to the teen, offering her the bowl of apple slices while Cara tried to get a hold of herself. Sonia let out a soft sigh and leaned over, resting her head on Cara's knees. "I... you've both always said that Sam and I can come to you for anything." Cara let out a small breath, leaning down to kiss the top of Sonia's head, letting her arms fall around the girl's shoulders.
"Alright."
"Oh... no, Cara don't scar her for life, please don't get too graphic." Kahlan was horrified at the potential damage Cara could do; the woman didn't know how to selectively provide information.
Cara opened her mouth after pulling back, only to be stopped by Dahlia tentatively clearing her throat. "Why don't you let me talk to her about it?"
Kahlan released a breath just as Cara did, "remind me to send you and Garen to somewhere romantic if I ever get the chance." She watched as Sonia nodded her head, standing with the help of the other woman. Cara closed her eyes and turned, resting her head against the wall of the hand built cabin, a frown etched deep into her features.
"Loath as I am to admit it, I don't know how to deal with these things. I wish you were here." Kahlan moved to crouch in front of Cara, listening to her whispered truth. "She needs a mother's touch and a Confessor's guidance... I can't give her both."
Her heart shattered and Kahlan closed her eyes, crouching in front of Cara, "I'm going to make it right Cara. I swear." Tears escaped as she let her head rest on the Cara's thigh, inhaling the scent of the clove oil she had been using to polish her swords.
When she opened her eyes again the world was shifting once more, slowly fading, colors changing and blending together.
III.
When everything came into focus once more, Kahlan was kneeling in the kitchen on the hard wood floor - smooth from the constant use over the years.
Heavy breathing.
A moan.
Kahlan shot up from where she was crouched, eyes wide - bracing herself against the large, oak block being used as a kitchen island.
Her jaw slackened at the sight before her and silently hoped that her eyes were deceiving her. Kahlan ducked down again, blinking rapidly to clear her vision. When she came back up Cara was still laying on her back on the floor with Dahlia still on top of her, arm moving rapidly between their bodies.
"Dahlia..." Cara moaned, arching under the taller woman.
The Confessor ducked down again, hand over her mouth in shock.
"I don't want to see this... I don't want to hear this."
Something crashed and Kahlan chanced another peek, peering around the corner tentatively. A chair was overturned, probably kicked by one of Cara's legs. She groaned and closed her eyes, ducking behind the well placed barrier.
Maybe this was the underworld... just missing its green hue.
Cara was doing something, she could tell by the way Dahlia moaned - low and primal. Jealousy coursed through her as their moans and pants increased in tempo, synchronizing in the way passionate lovers did. She had no right to be jealous of course, letting Cara go had been her fault.
The moans grew louder.
Kahlan's eyes narrowed dangerously when something else crashed on the other side of her protective shield and Cara came. She would know that sound anywhere - she'd caused it to escape Cara's lips enough times.
Except now it was Dahlia's name on Cara's lips.
Tears threatened to fall and she chanced another glance around once more; Cara was on top now.
A door opened.
"Shit." Both women hissed and scrambled up, grabbing clothes as they rushed around. Kahlan smiled when she saw Cara tug her dark pants up, jumping slightly as she did so. They were similar to the leathers she wore before, just made of some kind of cloth.
She liked them.
Dahlia threw on a deep, crimson shirt - Cara's.
"Go get washed up!" Dahlia laughed, shoving a pile of clothes into Cara's arms before pushing her towards a door.
"You're one to talk; you just had your fingers-"
Kahlan stood, caught between relief and anger when Dahlia cut the blonde off with a gentle kiss. "I am well aware of where my fingers were. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to wash my hands and finish dinner. Three hungry teenagers, two of your guardsmen and two dogs to feed? As well as ourselves? They're lucky we had a deer carcass ready."
"Mother! Aunt Dahlia. We're home, where are you?"
With a smack on the ass Cara was through the door into the bedroom and Dahlia was turning, aiming for the washbasin near the back door. "In the kitchen! Make sure your shoes are off or I'll feed you all to the monsters in the woods."
A chorus of varying affirmatives filled the home.
This should have been her and Cara, or at least something similar to it - in Aydindril. Kahlan closed her eyes and smiled softly, leaning against the counter as she tried to picture what could have been.
"Go get yourself cleaned up."
Her eyes snapped open.
Cara was pressed against Dahlia's back, arms locked around the other woman's waist. "But I like wearing your shirt..."
"I'm sure you do. Go get changed and freshened up."
Dahlia turned in Cara's arms, stealing a kiss from the shorter blonde. "You had better finish what you started later." Dahlia warned and Cara grinned, licking her upper lip with the tip of her tongue.
"Gross mom."
Kahlan's eyes snapped to the other side of the room where a group was filing in. Two men, Sam, Sonia and Lucius (the latter of whom was trailing after Sonia - a look of devotion in his eyes), moving as one towards the dining table.
"Shut up, Sam. It's sweet." Sonia was at that age, Kahlan's lips twitched in a smile. "Boys. No appreciation for romance."
And then she saw it.
Lucius' dark brown eyes were zeroed in on her daughter's backside as he nodded his head in agreement. "Just where do you think your eyes are, young man!? You're confessed! Not an idiot!"
Everything started to fade once more, colors blending together.
Her stomach churned - she was truly beginning to hate these shifts.
The colors were dizzying.
IV.
Kahlan smiled at the adorable look on Cara's face as she sat on the chair in the dining area, poking experimentally at the deformed cake. Sam sat at her side, poking at the thing with the tip of one of Cara’s knives.
It didn’t even make a dent.
“Mom… shouldn’t the blade penetrate the cake?”
Cara pursed her lips in distaste, nodding her head without a sound as Sam returned to prodding his mother’s creation. A door opened in the house and Cara let her head drop forward onto the table with a bang, the three other members of the Mason family traipsing in.
“If you get rid of the evidence of my failure and ride into town to get a cake from Miss Beth I will buy you any weapon you want from the smithy.”
Green eyes widened with the possibilities and Kahlan felt herself groan, moving her hand to her forehead in dismay; she knew Cara all too well. Knowing Sam’s luck he’d end up lugging home a battle-axe far too large for him and get a lecture on the proper handling of two-handed weaponry.
Sam moved fast, snatching the failure of a cake up and tucking it close to his body before leaving the house in a mad dash. “Hi Aunt Dahlia! Bye Aunt Dahlia!”
Laughter filled the house as soon as he was gone - the poor boy’s voice was breaking with the first sign of puberty.
V.
"Please, mom?"
Kahlan's lips twitched upwards as Sam and Sonia looked up at Cara, green eyes shining with hope and un-shed tears.
"Absolutely not." Cara grunted, crossing her arms defensively over her chest, sitting comfortably upon the hand carved, wooden bench.
Sam immediately scrambled up, crawling onto his mother's lap; he was followed closely by Sonia who curled into Cara's side. The Mord'Sith sighed and wrapped her arms securely around both children - abandoning her previous protection, her first mistake.
"Please dance with Aunt Dahlia?" Sonia's voice was pleading and innocent, Kahlan could see Cara begin to crack just at that alone.
Cara let loose a sigh, turning her head to rest her chin on top of Sonia's head, "I don't dance."
"You do to! Aunt Dahlia said you danced with the Mother Confessor at your wedding."
"And at balls!" Sam chimed in, grinning triumphantly.
They had both done their research but both were too innocent to recognize the haunted look in Cara's eyes.
"Very well, but I warned you - I do not dance." Kahlan tensed, watching as Cara shifted Sam off of her lap and stood, moving with purpose towards Dahlia. "May I cut in?"
The tall man rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm tighter around the woman, pulling her closer to his chest. "Yes." Dahlia muttered, pushing him away hard enough to cause the man to stumble. "My feet could definitely use a break from that blundering, ass groping idiot."
A genuine smirk.
Cara placed her hands comfortably against Dahlia's body, "your poor feet."
"I may have bruises in the morning from his constant handling of my ass."
Hours passed and Kahlan amused herself with watching Sam attempt to dance with a girl much too tall for him while Sonia and Lucius danced around carelessly. When she turned her attention fully back onto Cara and Dahlia jealousy struck.
Unadulterated jealousy.
It was becoming a common emotion when Cara and Dahlia interacted with each other.
The emotion was warranted now, however, as the two women danced and Dahlia caused a genuine smile to grace Cara's lips. Cara only danced with her, Dahlia had no right.
And yet here she was, body pressed intimately close to Cara's as they swayed to the slow rhythm. "I'm glad you're allowing yourself to relax." Dahlia whispered, grinning when Cara continued to lead.
"I am merely giving into the children's constant nagging. You know I cannot stand tears, especially not from Sonia."
Dahlia let out a low laugh, drawing small, meaningless patterns against Cara's back. "Well Sonia is cuddled up against Lucius, fast asleep and Sam has a crush on that older girl over there. I suspect he's already managed to break her heart - falling asleep on her lap." Both Cara and Kahlan turned their heads, searching for the children.
"She's going to fall in love with him..." Cara whispered, resting her head on Dahlia's shoulder as soon as she spotted the young Confessor. She was sprawled out on top of Lucius, both children passed out from a long day of dancing and running around enjoying the festival's entertainment.
The blonde scanned the crowd once more, smirking when she found that Sam was indeed resting on a young woman's lap, unbothered by the loud music and laughter around him. "We should get them to the tavern."
It took but a few minutes for the women to get their children situated, Cara groaned, holding both Sonia and Lucius. "Is that a complaint I hear? All these years out of your leathers have left you... squishy." Cara pursed her lips, glowering at Dahlia as she resituated the two against her body.
"You're only carrying one relatively light eleven-year-old whereas I am carrying two. I reserve the right to complain, they are clearly too old to be carried."
"Then wake them up."
"Absolutely not!"
Both Dahlia and Kahlan smirked.
VI.
Kahlan stared.
Cara was stuttering and shifting from foot-to-foot as she tried to come up with a proper answer to whatever it was that the twins asked about. She had just appeared in the middle of the conversation, not hearing the question her children inquired upon.
“So if babies are made when a man puts his man parts in a woman’s woman parts… then how did you have us with the Mother Confessor? You both have women parts.”
The skin on Cara’s neck gave off a faint pink hue as she cleared her throat and tried her best not to look uncomfortable. Her face quickly became a mask of seriousness, “it works because it does, now go do something productive.”
This did not deter the two ten-year-olds as they simply continued to stare up at her, demanding a proper answer to sate their curiosities. It was Dahlia who swooped in and saved the unraveling blonde from her fate, all smiles and toting a platter of freshly cut food. “Usually when a man puts his man parts in a woman’s womanly parts it produces a child. But sometimes when a woman loves another woman and powerful magic is involved then that makes a baby.”
“But then how to two women make a boy?” Sam asked, frowning.
“Powerful magic and prophecy tend to throw everyone for a loop.”
The twins nodded their, scurrying off to play around with their canine companions out in the yard, “thank you…” Cara muttered, looking just a little bit frustrated at her inability to answer the children’s questions in the manner they wanted.
A/N: Like oh em gee, part one of three you see? And most of the other parts are already written? What's in store, what's in store? What's going on? Never know with my mind, right?