The Scars of Your Love [3/3]
Title: The Scars of Your Love [3/3]
Author: synergyfox
Pairing: Cara/Dahlia, Cara/Kahlan
Rating: M
Warnings: Nothing triggery.
Word Count: 2,298
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.
Seriously, same three people again get massive props. thedawn for constantly poking me to write it (and finish it), evanevieveblack for just being frakking awesome and listening to me ran abount bonbons.
And jolo_65 - a number of lines are straight from her brain (uh huh, you're not getting away from that missy).
Part: | 1 | 2 |
XIV.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No!”
“Yes!”
“NO!”
“YES!”
“You’re arguing with a two-year-old, Cara.”
“He won’t go in the water.”
“Then go bathe and let him stink.”
Kahlan raised her hand to her mouth, watching the banter continue with a fond smile - at least until Cara turned to get undressed. Inch-by-inch golden skin was revealed and when the entirety of her back was revealed, Kahlan’s stomach churned.
The blonde’s back was riddled with scars from the kiss of a whip.
She moved towards Cara, ghosting her fingers over the blonde’s back, “Cara…”
“No!” Sam rushed passed and scampered into the water, as naked as the day he had been born - still a little wobbly on his legs even at the age of two.
“See? He doesn’t want to stink.”
“I’m first. You’re slow! Hurry up mommy!”
Kahlan forced her eyes from the scene, looking to Dahlia as she sat with Sonia between her legs - working the comb gently through the dark tresses. “Do you want a braid, sweetheart?” Dahlia asked, dropping her hands to the young Confessor’s shoulders.
“Mmm… yes please!”
Dahlia’s dropped the comb to the side and expert fingers worked Sonia’s hair into a tight braid.
There was no jealousy this time.
Merely…
Acceptance.
XV.
Cara hummed as she cradled Sam in her arms, relaxing against a smooth bench outside of the freshly built home. She drew her fingertips slowly up and down Sam's back as he flexed his tiny hand, tugging lightly at her hair. Sam let loose a yawn, his face scrunching up as he cuddled further into his mother, green eyes disappearing with the closing of his eyelids.
"You're going to spoil him."
Kahlan turned her head and chuckled in amusement - Dahlia was one to talk with Sonia in her arms, the tiny girl's head resting on her shoulder. She couldn't resist, moving slowly over to Dahlia's side, studying her daughter.
"Holding him keeps him quiet."
It was a lie of course, even Kahlan knew that.
An excuse to hold her son without appearing weak, Cara hated appearing weak. Dahlia moved closer, motioning towards the blonde's legs with her head. The woman in question rolled her eyes and pulled her knees in, making room for Dahlia to sit. "You know... putting him down doesn't mean you're abandoning him."
Cara lifted her legs, placing them slowly over Dahlia's thighs, careful not to wake the sleeping child in her arms. "I won't abandon any of you."
The vow was barely more than a whisper - Kahlan's heart shattered.
"You wear your heart on your sleeve now..." Dahlia smiled softly and patted Cara's leg lightly, "spread your legs for me." Cara rolled her eyes and parted her legs obediently, adjusting the child in her arms as Dahlia settled against her. "I know you won't abandon us."
Cara managed to wrap an arm around Dahlia's waist, brushing her fingertips slowly against the other woman's side. "Mama." Three heads whipped to look at Sonia, "mama." The child repeated it with a look of pride as she looked over Dahlia's shoulder.
Kahlan's stomach twisted uncomfortably with a mix of pride and sadness.
She missed that too.
First words.
First steps.
First full night's sleep.
All of it.
She tried to touch Cara's cheek and rage coursed through her once more at the magical barrier stopping her from doing so. "Mama!" Cara tightened her arms around Dahlia, bringing her hand up to caress Sonia's back - smiling fully.
"That's your mama." Dahlia cooed, turning her head to press her lips against the side of the child's head.
Sam made a sound of discontent, working his way further between the two women with his nose pressed firmly to Cara's neck. Wisps of near black hair tickled her neck and the former Mord'Sith tightened her grip on her family, refusing to let go.
"Mama."
Kahlan watched as Cara brought a hand up to cup the back of Sonia's head, "such a smart girl."
Sam let out yet another sound of discontent, curling further into the two women - hiding away from the world as best as the child could. "Mama..."
"You know she isn't going to stop talking now that she's learned to say her first word." Dahlia teased, turning to rest her head on Cara's chest.
"Mama!" It was a squeal this time, followed by a proud grin and happy giggles.
XVI.
A scream.
Kahlan whipped around, drawing her daggers instinctively and rage coursed through her system at the sight of Darken Rahl beating Cara. Her jaw locked, she had to quell the anger - there was no way to Con'Dar a memory.
Where was Dahlia?
Just as Darken was about to lay into Cara again the air visibly rippled and the former Lord Rahl went flying into a tree. Kahlan's whipped around, hair flying - more than a little shocked to see Shota standing there with Dahlia. Dahlia rushed forward, crouching next to Cara, covered head-to-toe in her red leathers.
She was out for blood.
"Cara...Cara, look at me."
"Kahlan..." Cara mumbled, head lulling to the side - sweat covering her body.
Unfocused green eyes met teary brown ones.
"You have to stay awake, Cari. For your children. They can't grow up without a mother."
Kahlan's heart clenched as she brushed her fingertips slowly over the bare skin of Cara's arm, tracing the bruises there left by Darken Rahl and his pets.
The Mord'Sith who didn't flock to Richard's side.
"Sam..."
Dahlia smiled and pulled Cara slowly into her arms, careful not to jar her body, "everything's fine. Sam's got a healthy set of lungs on him. He's the one crying. Sonia is quiet as a baby chipmunk." Cara nodded into Dahlia's neck, burrowing in against the Mord'Sith.
Kahlan bit her lower lip hard, crouching next to the two women - trying to get as close to her mate as possible. "I'll never abandon you again, I swear... and I'll be there. You'll have our children in Aydindril, I'll be at your side. You can crush my hand if you need to..."
"I am perfectly capable of taking care of two babies, as you can see they're both cleaned and bundled up." Kahlan glanced over her shoulder, taken aback at the sight of Shota sitting there on a stump, cradling both children in her arms.
"I want Kahlan..."
"I'm here, Cara. I'm here..." Kahlan breathed, pressing her lips to Cara's forehead even though she knew the blonde couldn't feel it. "Spirits.... I'm here... I'll never leave you again."
"Stubborn." Dahlia chuckled, pressing her lips lightly to the top of Cara's forehead, "we're going to get you all patched up... we'll go home and you can sleep. I promise."
Kahlan brushed her fingertips slowly over Cara's cheek, cooing softly as she did so, "I'm so sorry..."
A scoff drew most of their attentions over to the Witch Woman, "oh just close your eyes and let me work some magic."
Everything faded away.
They reappeared in the barely furnished cabin seconds later; Kahlan remained at Cara's side, watching as Dahlia moved around, collecting necessary items to save the vertically challenged blonde's life. It passed in a haze and soon Cara was curled up in a bed, bandaged and stitched with two newborns in her arms. Kahlan moved closer and felt a small bit of relief when the other Mord'Sith crawled into bed, wrapping her arms securely around Cara.
At least she wasn't alone.
Kahlan turned and frowned, watching Shota study the two women in bed.
Family.
That's what they were.
A family - something she had given up for a lie.
XVII.
"The penalty for adultery in the Midlands is a minimum fifty lashes and the stripping of current social standing. Lord Rahl has suggested the addition of banishment as well as a seal on your ability to reverse magic and administer the Breath of Life for the disgrace you have brought upon both of our lands." Her voice was as cold as steel on a winter's day.
"Kahlan, I would never dishonor you. Especially not in this way." She watched as two Mord'Sith kept Cara on her knees with their hands on her shoulders.
Richard spoke, voice grating on her every nerve, “silence. The Mother Confessor is speaking. Do not bring further dishonor upon yourself. Not that you can with two bastard children in your womb, probably by some lowborn tavern scum."
”No… no, not again. I won’t let this happen again…” Kahlan thought struggling to gain control of herself - she was the one speaking, she could feel the movement of her lips and the pounding in her heart.
Kahlan stood from her chair, her face a mask of stone as she prepared to pass her judgment on the woman before her as her stomach twisted, not wishing to go through with the final decision.
But it was necessary.
"It is my duty as the Mother Confessor to administer justice. I must uphold the laws of my lands, even if the perpetrator happens to be my mate. You will be sentenced to eighty lashes in the public forum; you will be stripped of all titles and status. Prior to your whi-." She stopped midsentence, a look of confusion passing over her features as she moved her mouth, “Cara.” It escaped in a whisper and the blonde in question lifted her head slowly to reveal green eyes swimming in a sea of pain and heartbreak. “Release her.”
The two Mord’Sith gave her confused looks before doing as they were told, releasing the woman and stepping aside. Cara remained where she was, curled in on herself - not daring to move an inch.
“Kahlan.” Richard’s voice grated on her nerves - she ignored him for now.
“Berdine. Raina… please help Cara to m-our chambers and see to it that a Healer tends to her immediately.” Cara had been in the dungeons below the Confessor’s Palace for days before Kahlan returned to Aydindril and Richard informed her of her lover’s infidelity. She needed to make sure Cara and their children were healthy.
Everyone was silent, not daring to whisper amongst themselves as the woman who had been on trial was escorted out, supported by two Mord’Sith.
“Kahlan, what’re you doing?! She betrayed you!”
She quelled her rage, stomping down on it - there were people present.
Her people - she would not take their free will by entering the Con’Dar.
“I will not have you say her name, nor will I have you sully her honor further with your false accusations. You have done more than enough and it is time for you to face the consequences for your heinous actions. Her punishment is yours. You will be stripped of your titles and status, whipped and banished.”
Richard shook his head, smiling in amusement, “Kahlan…”
His eyes told another story, she could see the fear lurking there.
“Seize him.” It made her blood rush and her heart swell with pride as the Home Guard surrounded Richard. “Take him to the dungeons.” She turned, walking decisively towards the exit; a thought made her stop, a cruel and cold smile forming on her lips. “See to it that he is treated just as he treated my mate.”
XxXxXxX
Kahlan chewed on her bottom lip as she paced nervously in front of the doors to her chambers. She took a deep breath and came to a stop, pressing her hands against the smooth, ancient wood. “This is your second chance, you can do this.”
The Mother Confessor pushed the doors open and entered, ready to launch into an apology - only to see Cara standing nervously in the center of the large room.
“Kahlan, I can explain. I-” Kahlan moved across the room quickly, wrapping the blonde up tight in her arms tearfully. She pressed feather light kisses against her mate’s face, tears falling rapidly - Cara was here, in her arms and not at the Keeper’s door.
She still smelled of the dungeons - dirt and sweat.
But not blood.
She didn’t smell of the forest or of Dahlia or death.
“Forgive me. Please… forgive me.” Kahlan begged, burying her face in Cara’s hair and holding her tighter.
She pulled back when Cara didn’t answer - the blonde was in shock, a look of confusion dominating her features as she tried to puzzle through it all. “Kahlan…” she breathed, turning her head to look seriously at Kahlan, “there’s nothing to forgive. Just please explain what’s going on.”
Kahlan let out a tearful laugh, “I promise I’ll tell you everything… but you need rest, and food.” She took a deep breath and pressed her lips to Cara’s forehead, “and a bath.”
Cara brought her hands up to caress Kahlan’s shoulders and upper arms, giving her an unrestrained smile. “A bath would be most welcome.” Her eyes widened when Kahlan’s hands came down and rested on her stomach, caressing her through her clothes. “I didn’t-“
“I know… they’re our children.” Kahlan took a breath and pressed her lips to Cara’s tenderly, eyes fluttering shut at the feeling she had been so long without. “My babies…”
The heavy doors slammed open and Kahlan jumped, immediately moving in front of Cara before the blonde could even think to protest. Berdine came stumbling in, arms flailing as Raina rushed in behind her, catching her before she fell.
“Mother Confessor! What is this madness? Why have you placed Lord Rahl in-”
“I will explain everything… later. Please just trust me in this, Berdine. He has dishonored himself, the House of Rahl and all of D’Hara with his actions.”
Berdine’s brow furrowed but she nodded quietly, trusting the woman to explain as she said she would.
Fin.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Okay… technically this is going to be a trilogy with a few oneshots. But don’t tell anyone.
But my halloween fic is next.
Author: synergyfox
Pairing: Cara/Dahlia, Cara/Kahlan
Rating: M
Warnings: Nothing triggery.
Word Count: 2,298
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.
Seriously, same three people again get massive props. thedawn for constantly poking me to write it (and finish it), evanevieveblack for just being frakking awesome and listening to me ran abount bonbons.
And jolo_65 - a number of lines are straight from her brain (uh huh, you're not getting away from that missy).
Part: | 1 | 2 |
XIV.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No!”
“Yes!”
“NO!”
“YES!”
“You’re arguing with a two-year-old, Cara.”
“He won’t go in the water.”
“Then go bathe and let him stink.”
Kahlan raised her hand to her mouth, watching the banter continue with a fond smile - at least until Cara turned to get undressed. Inch-by-inch golden skin was revealed and when the entirety of her back was revealed, Kahlan’s stomach churned.
The blonde’s back was riddled with scars from the kiss of a whip.
She moved towards Cara, ghosting her fingers over the blonde’s back, “Cara…”
“No!” Sam rushed passed and scampered into the water, as naked as the day he had been born - still a little wobbly on his legs even at the age of two.
“See? He doesn’t want to stink.”
“I’m first. You’re slow! Hurry up mommy!”
Kahlan forced her eyes from the scene, looking to Dahlia as she sat with Sonia between her legs - working the comb gently through the dark tresses. “Do you want a braid, sweetheart?” Dahlia asked, dropping her hands to the young Confessor’s shoulders.
“Mmm… yes please!”
Dahlia’s dropped the comb to the side and expert fingers worked Sonia’s hair into a tight braid.
There was no jealousy this time.
Merely…
Acceptance.
XV.
Cara hummed as she cradled Sam in her arms, relaxing against a smooth bench outside of the freshly built home. She drew her fingertips slowly up and down Sam's back as he flexed his tiny hand, tugging lightly at her hair. Sam let loose a yawn, his face scrunching up as he cuddled further into his mother, green eyes disappearing with the closing of his eyelids.
"You're going to spoil him."
Kahlan turned her head and chuckled in amusement - Dahlia was one to talk with Sonia in her arms, the tiny girl's head resting on her shoulder. She couldn't resist, moving slowly over to Dahlia's side, studying her daughter.
"Holding him keeps him quiet."
It was a lie of course, even Kahlan knew that.
An excuse to hold her son without appearing weak, Cara hated appearing weak. Dahlia moved closer, motioning towards the blonde's legs with her head. The woman in question rolled her eyes and pulled her knees in, making room for Dahlia to sit. "You know... putting him down doesn't mean you're abandoning him."
Cara lifted her legs, placing them slowly over Dahlia's thighs, careful not to wake the sleeping child in her arms. "I won't abandon any of you."
The vow was barely more than a whisper - Kahlan's heart shattered.
"You wear your heart on your sleeve now..." Dahlia smiled softly and patted Cara's leg lightly, "spread your legs for me." Cara rolled her eyes and parted her legs obediently, adjusting the child in her arms as Dahlia settled against her. "I know you won't abandon us."
Cara managed to wrap an arm around Dahlia's waist, brushing her fingertips slowly against the other woman's side. "Mama." Three heads whipped to look at Sonia, "mama." The child repeated it with a look of pride as she looked over Dahlia's shoulder.
Kahlan's stomach twisted uncomfortably with a mix of pride and sadness.
She missed that too.
First words.
First steps.
First full night's sleep.
All of it.
She tried to touch Cara's cheek and rage coursed through her once more at the magical barrier stopping her from doing so. "Mama!" Cara tightened her arms around Dahlia, bringing her hand up to caress Sonia's back - smiling fully.
"That's your mama." Dahlia cooed, turning her head to press her lips against the side of the child's head.
Sam made a sound of discontent, working his way further between the two women with his nose pressed firmly to Cara's neck. Wisps of near black hair tickled her neck and the former Mord'Sith tightened her grip on her family, refusing to let go.
"Mama."
Kahlan watched as Cara brought a hand up to cup the back of Sonia's head, "such a smart girl."
Sam let out yet another sound of discontent, curling further into the two women - hiding away from the world as best as the child could. "Mama..."
"You know she isn't going to stop talking now that she's learned to say her first word." Dahlia teased, turning to rest her head on Cara's chest.
"Mama!" It was a squeal this time, followed by a proud grin and happy giggles.
XVI.
A scream.
Kahlan whipped around, drawing her daggers instinctively and rage coursed through her system at the sight of Darken Rahl beating Cara. Her jaw locked, she had to quell the anger - there was no way to Con'Dar a memory.
Where was Dahlia?
Just as Darken was about to lay into Cara again the air visibly rippled and the former Lord Rahl went flying into a tree. Kahlan's whipped around, hair flying - more than a little shocked to see Shota standing there with Dahlia. Dahlia rushed forward, crouching next to Cara, covered head-to-toe in her red leathers.
She was out for blood.
"Cara...Cara, look at me."
"Kahlan..." Cara mumbled, head lulling to the side - sweat covering her body.
Unfocused green eyes met teary brown ones.
"You have to stay awake, Cari. For your children. They can't grow up without a mother."
Kahlan's heart clenched as she brushed her fingertips slowly over the bare skin of Cara's arm, tracing the bruises there left by Darken Rahl and his pets.
The Mord'Sith who didn't flock to Richard's side.
"Sam..."
Dahlia smiled and pulled Cara slowly into her arms, careful not to jar her body, "everything's fine. Sam's got a healthy set of lungs on him. He's the one crying. Sonia is quiet as a baby chipmunk." Cara nodded into Dahlia's neck, burrowing in against the Mord'Sith.
Kahlan bit her lower lip hard, crouching next to the two women - trying to get as close to her mate as possible. "I'll never abandon you again, I swear... and I'll be there. You'll have our children in Aydindril, I'll be at your side. You can crush my hand if you need to..."
"I am perfectly capable of taking care of two babies, as you can see they're both cleaned and bundled up." Kahlan glanced over her shoulder, taken aback at the sight of Shota sitting there on a stump, cradling both children in her arms.
"I want Kahlan..."
"I'm here, Cara. I'm here..." Kahlan breathed, pressing her lips to Cara's forehead even though she knew the blonde couldn't feel it. "Spirits.... I'm here... I'll never leave you again."
"Stubborn." Dahlia chuckled, pressing her lips lightly to the top of Cara's forehead, "we're going to get you all patched up... we'll go home and you can sleep. I promise."
Kahlan brushed her fingertips slowly over Cara's cheek, cooing softly as she did so, "I'm so sorry..."
A scoff drew most of their attentions over to the Witch Woman, "oh just close your eyes and let me work some magic."
Everything faded away.
They reappeared in the barely furnished cabin seconds later; Kahlan remained at Cara's side, watching as Dahlia moved around, collecting necessary items to save the vertically challenged blonde's life. It passed in a haze and soon Cara was curled up in a bed, bandaged and stitched with two newborns in her arms. Kahlan moved closer and felt a small bit of relief when the other Mord'Sith crawled into bed, wrapping her arms securely around Cara.
At least she wasn't alone.
Kahlan turned and frowned, watching Shota study the two women in bed.
Family.
That's what they were.
A family - something she had given up for a lie.
XVII.
"The penalty for adultery in the Midlands is a minimum fifty lashes and the stripping of current social standing. Lord Rahl has suggested the addition of banishment as well as a seal on your ability to reverse magic and administer the Breath of Life for the disgrace you have brought upon both of our lands." Her voice was as cold as steel on a winter's day.
"Kahlan, I would never dishonor you. Especially not in this way." She watched as two Mord'Sith kept Cara on her knees with their hands on her shoulders.
Richard spoke, voice grating on her every nerve, “silence. The Mother Confessor is speaking. Do not bring further dishonor upon yourself. Not that you can with two bastard children in your womb, probably by some lowborn tavern scum."
”No… no, not again. I won’t let this happen again…” Kahlan thought struggling to gain control of herself - she was the one speaking, she could feel the movement of her lips and the pounding in her heart.
Kahlan stood from her chair, her face a mask of stone as she prepared to pass her judgment on the woman before her as her stomach twisted, not wishing to go through with the final decision.
But it was necessary.
"It is my duty as the Mother Confessor to administer justice. I must uphold the laws of my lands, even if the perpetrator happens to be my mate. You will be sentenced to eighty lashes in the public forum; you will be stripped of all titles and status. Prior to your whi-." She stopped midsentence, a look of confusion passing over her features as she moved her mouth, “Cara.” It escaped in a whisper and the blonde in question lifted her head slowly to reveal green eyes swimming in a sea of pain and heartbreak. “Release her.”
The two Mord’Sith gave her confused looks before doing as they were told, releasing the woman and stepping aside. Cara remained where she was, curled in on herself - not daring to move an inch.
“Kahlan.” Richard’s voice grated on her nerves - she ignored him for now.
“Berdine. Raina… please help Cara to m-our chambers and see to it that a Healer tends to her immediately.” Cara had been in the dungeons below the Confessor’s Palace for days before Kahlan returned to Aydindril and Richard informed her of her lover’s infidelity. She needed to make sure Cara and their children were healthy.
Everyone was silent, not daring to whisper amongst themselves as the woman who had been on trial was escorted out, supported by two Mord’Sith.
“Kahlan, what’re you doing?! She betrayed you!”
She quelled her rage, stomping down on it - there were people present.
Her people - she would not take their free will by entering the Con’Dar.
“I will not have you say her name, nor will I have you sully her honor further with your false accusations. You have done more than enough and it is time for you to face the consequences for your heinous actions. Her punishment is yours. You will be stripped of your titles and status, whipped and banished.”
Richard shook his head, smiling in amusement, “Kahlan…”
His eyes told another story, she could see the fear lurking there.
“Seize him.” It made her blood rush and her heart swell with pride as the Home Guard surrounded Richard. “Take him to the dungeons.” She turned, walking decisively towards the exit; a thought made her stop, a cruel and cold smile forming on her lips. “See to it that he is treated just as he treated my mate.”
XxXxXxX
Kahlan chewed on her bottom lip as she paced nervously in front of the doors to her chambers. She took a deep breath and came to a stop, pressing her hands against the smooth, ancient wood. “This is your second chance, you can do this.”
The Mother Confessor pushed the doors open and entered, ready to launch into an apology - only to see Cara standing nervously in the center of the large room.
“Kahlan, I can explain. I-” Kahlan moved across the room quickly, wrapping the blonde up tight in her arms tearfully. She pressed feather light kisses against her mate’s face, tears falling rapidly - Cara was here, in her arms and not at the Keeper’s door.
She still smelled of the dungeons - dirt and sweat.
But not blood.
She didn’t smell of the forest or of Dahlia or death.
“Forgive me. Please… forgive me.” Kahlan begged, burying her face in Cara’s hair and holding her tighter.
She pulled back when Cara didn’t answer - the blonde was in shock, a look of confusion dominating her features as she tried to puzzle through it all. “Kahlan…” she breathed, turning her head to look seriously at Kahlan, “there’s nothing to forgive. Just please explain what’s going on.”
Kahlan let out a tearful laugh, “I promise I’ll tell you everything… but you need rest, and food.” She took a deep breath and pressed her lips to Cara’s forehead, “and a bath.”
Cara brought her hands up to caress Kahlan’s shoulders and upper arms, giving her an unrestrained smile. “A bath would be most welcome.” Her eyes widened when Kahlan’s hands came down and rested on her stomach, caressing her through her clothes. “I didn’t-“
“I know… they’re our children.” Kahlan took a breath and pressed her lips to Cara’s tenderly, eyes fluttering shut at the feeling she had been so long without. “My babies…”
The heavy doors slammed open and Kahlan jumped, immediately moving in front of Cara before the blonde could even think to protest. Berdine came stumbling in, arms flailing as Raina rushed in behind her, catching her before she fell.
“Mother Confessor! What is this madness? Why have you placed Lord Rahl in-”
“I will explain everything… later. Please just trust me in this, Berdine. He has dishonored himself, the House of Rahl and all of D’Hara with his actions.”
Berdine’s brow furrowed but she nodded quietly, trusting the woman to explain as she said she would.
Fin.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Okay… technically this is going to be a trilogy with a few oneshots. But don’t tell anyone.
But my halloween fic is next.