TITLE: Falls of Aldermant
AUTHOR: LOTSlove®
CHARACTERS: Richard / Kahlan
RATING: R / M
TIMELINE: Anything up through S2 Torn.
DISCLAIMER: I'm completely obsessed with Richard and Kahlan and love to write about them even though they cancelled my show and now I'm fighting to get it back!
SUMMARY: Tag to Torn prompted by Deacon. Explores Richard and Kahlan's thoughts with the conversation about the Falls of Aldermant in the beginning of the ep and what happens after Kahlan is put back together again.
Falls of Aldermant
"If the compass continues pointing south, we'll go right pass the Falls of Aldermant," Zedd absentmindedly announced as he appraised their surroundings.
"Is that some place important?" Richard asked, looking to Kahlan on his left.
"It's considered the most romantic spot in all the Midlands," Kahlan replied, a playful smile touching her lips.
"Many a child was conceived beneath those cascading waters," Zedd informed the Seeker.
He knew that these two would eventually figure out a way to be together. They were just meant to be in every possible way for them not to be married one day.
He wanted so badly to let them in on the secret, but it was something that they had to discover, something that Richard had to find and come to understand within himself. And it also required Kahlan's willingness to trust her heart as well as Richard's.
"I was there once," Kahlan revealed, the excitement never leaving her voice or her face. "It was beautiful."
"Oh, really? And who were you with?" Richard pointedly asked, his attention completely focused on his beautiful Confessor walking beside him.
He had been taken aback by Kahlan's sudden revelation that she had been at the most romantic place in all the Midlands. It had never occurred to him that she may have been in love with someone before him, that a young man could have brought her here once. Just because her magic kept her from experiencing love in every sense, it didn't keep young men from falling in love with her.
Spirits knew that he had fallen hard for her the moment that he had laid eyes on her, fully believing that they were going to be together someday soon. There had to be a way to share their love with one another. He knew it, believed it deep within his heart as well as he knew his own name.
"My sister," she lightly laughed with a grin that reached her blue eyes.
Kahlan's smile broadened with the obvious jealousy that she had created within her Seeker. It had been purely unintentional. Seeing how her comment had struck a chord in him, though, she found she rather enjoyed seeing this side of him.
Richard felt the sudden tightness in his chest ease with her admission. He cast a sheepish smile at her, knowing that his jealousy had been painfully obvious with how he had overreacted to her initial confession.
Still, he couldn't help the relief that filled his heart knowing that it had been her sister Dennee that she had shared that experience with. He wanted more than anything for it to be him that shared such a romantic place with her, for him to be the one to kiss her, to make love to her beneath that waterfall.
"At sunset when the light hits the falls, the water glistens red," she continued with a sweep of her hand, still enjoying the sight of Richard's discomfited state. "They say it's the reflection of all the lovers' hearts who have kissed there."
Seeing the look of desire that permeated Richard's brown eyes set her heart to pounding in her chest. The thought of being at the Falls with him, the light from the setting sun reflecting over the water as he kissed her caused a flurry of longing to wash over her.
"That or a reflection of all the blood spilled at the Battle of Aldermant. Two hundred men were killed in that spot," Cara interjected with a smirk on her lips. "The rest threw their bodies into the rapids rather than surrender."
"That does sound romantic," Richard quipped with knitted brow before casting another glance at Kahlan. "If we move fast, maybe we can get there to see the sunset."
Kahlan smiled shyly at him, excited by the thought of kissing him there. She wished more than anything that they could make love beneath the waterfalls. She wanted nothing more than to be able to give herself so completely to him, to be the one to carry his child.
She quickly looked away from him, her gaze taking in the landscape in an effort to quell the feelings stirring inside of her. It was then that something hanging from a faraway tree caught her attention…
XXX
Walking along the road, Kahlan couldn't help the thoughts that had plagued her for over a week now. His words still rang in her ears and tugged mercilessly at her heart. She found herself unable to let go, desperate for more than what the spirits had allowed her.
Kahlan had racked her brain ever since Richard had told her about the night that they had spent together, a night that he had told her was beyond amazing. The look that had warmed his chocolate brown eyes, the happiness that had lit his face when he had told her how magical their night together had been still caused goose flesh to form on her arms. It had also conveyed his love, how much sharing himself with her in that intimate way had meant to him.
She was growing more desperate every day to remember something, any fragmented memory about that night. Even if she could just remember what it had been like to feel his hardened form moving over her, the taste of his skin or the urgency behind his kisses it might help alleviate some of her heartache. Instead, she had been left with nothing but what only her own fantasies could provide her.
Richard had told her that he had enough memories for the both of them. At the time, it had been sweet knowing that he would cherish those memories, hold on to them for the both of them. Now, it seemed so unfair that he could remember and she could not.
And it wasn't that she held it against him for making love to the woman he thought was her. In fact, she rejoiced in the knowledge that he had taken the given opportunity to love her, knowing that she could never give herself to him in that way under normal circumstances. She'd felt guilty denying him what he wanted for so very long, what they both wanted more than anything.
It was her fault that they couldn't be together, that she was forced to push him away every time his kisses became too intense, his touch too arousing. She could see how frustrated it made him at times, how hurt he was that he couldn't express his love to her. He did his best to not let it show, but she knew because she felt it too. It hurt her deeply to push him away, but she didn't know what else to do. Her hands were literally tied by her magic.
It brought her a sense of relief, though, knowing that he'd been able to act on the desire that had been simmering in his eyes ever since she had met him. She still couldn't help but wonder how their night together had began, what his expression had been like when he had finally been able to look upon her, what the intensity of his passion had been like, the sounds that escaped his lips as he made love with her.
By the grin that had spread across his face and the passion that had filled his eyes when he had told her how incredible it had been, Richard must have found some pleasure in her, in the night they had shared together. She had even heard him murmur her name in his sleep a few times since then, something low and sensual and creating a firestorm of need within her so intense that she thought she might go mad if he didn't temper the storm soon.
She longed to hear her name as he moved so powerfully within her, his voice so husky and desperate and filled with a need that only she could quench. She longed for him to create such a rapture within her that his name would be the only thing that her mind could register, the only name on her lips.
How she wanted so badly for Richard to not only be her Seeker, her friend, but to be her lover…her husband.
Walking beside her, Richard couldn't help the frequent glances at his Confessor. Ever since leaving Aydindril to resume their search for the Stone of Tears, Kahlan had grown more quiet as if she was being tormented by some unseen foe.
He was growing more concerned with every passing day, his own thoughts preoccupied with worry over her as well as the night that he had spent with her fragmented half. Memories of ecstasy vied against lingering guilt over allowing his passion to rule reason.
But at the time, it had seemed so real, so right. How could he have not given in to the hunger for her that had been threatening to devour him for so very long? How could he have not seized the chance to be with her, to share himself with the one woman who consumed his heart as well as his dreams?
He silently berated himself for the hundredth time since discovering that it hadn't really been her that he had made love to despite Kahlan telling him how glad she was that he had. He should have known something was wrong with her, should have sensed that she wasn't herself.
But standing there on that cliff, her eyes shining so brightly with desire for him, the moonlight creating a brilliant halo around her, her words…
"This could be our only chance…"
Those words still warmed him straight to his core, causing a quickening in his pulse. With the realization of what her words had meant, a heated rush of desire had roared to the surface, something so powerful and beyond his control. He'd had to kiss her, to taste her, to give his all to her. No less would do.
They had waited for so very long for that moment. And there it had been staring them both in the face. Despite his firm belief that they could be together forever someday, he had been weak at that moment on that cliff when she had told him that this could be their only chance. He knew deep down that it wouldn't be, that their future together was something that would become a reality.
But he had given into her request out of an overpowering need to be with her. It had been a request that he could neither deny her nor himself…not any longer.
"If the compass continues pointing south, we'll go right pass the Falls of Aldermant," Zedd announced.
"This sounds vaguely familiar," Cara huffed with a roll of her eyes.
Richard couldn't help the small smile that broke across his face, memories of that conversation playing out in his mind and reminding him of something that he was still anxious to experience. A plan began to take shape in his mind, something that he was suddenly very anxious to make happen.
"If we move fast, maybe we can get there to see the sunset," Richard commented, quirking an eyebrow as he peered at Kahlan to his left.
He saw a faint smile ghost over Kahlan's lips as her eyes met his, but her gaze didn't hold the excited anticipation that it had held the last time. The longing that lived there for him was still here, but it was subdued somehow, almost sad. There was something else there that tore at his heart.
It was…hopelessness.
Richard felt his resolve harden, determined to bring that spark of hope back to her brilliant blue eyes. He quickened his pace as he tightened his hold on the straps of his backpack, his eyes hardening with sweet expectation.
Kahlan quickened her step to keep up with her Seeker. She was uncertain as to why he was suddenly so anxious to get to the Falls of Aldermant. He'd already spent an enchanted evening with her fragmented half, one that they had both dreamed of but only he could remember.
There was no hope of a future with her, their one chance together had come and gone leaving her with nothing but more questions and an even deeper ache inside of her than she had before. The only sense of happiness came with knowing that at least Richard had been able to know her love even though it hadn't really been her.
Zedd and Cara looked at each other long enough to share a knowing smile before picking up the pace to catch up with the Seeker and Mother Confessor. They had a feeling they knew where they would be making camp tonight.
XXX
Holding Kahlan's hand firmly in his, Richard led her through the trees, determination in his every step. After setting up camp, he had immediately seized his Confessor, escorting her out of the small clearing and into the woods.
While excited by the thought of kissing Richard at the Falls, Kahlan was disheartened by everything that had happened a week ago. The thought of sharing something so intimate and special with the man that she loved but couldn't have was too heartbreaking to think about.
Following him now, though, Kahlan couldn't help the fluttering in her stomach as she watched his every movement. He was so handsome, the long strands of his hair shifting with the breeze, the feel of his strong hand holding hers so protectively.
She tried her best to quell the building desire inside of her, knowing that it would do her no good. It would only hurt her more knowing that it could never go beyond a kiss when she wanted so much more than that. She wanted him, all of him in every way. What she wanted most in life she could never have.
Kahlan closed her eyes momentarily, swallowing back the tears that threatened to form. She wanted to yank her hand free and run, to lose herself in the darkness of the woods where he couldn't find her. But he would find her. He would always find her no matter where she was. He was the Seeker and he loved her.
Besides it wasn't fair to deny him this moment that he obviously wanted. She'd denied him so much already over the last few months. She couldn't deny him this as well.
Breaking through the trees, Richard came to an abrupt stop, the site before him nearly taking his breath away. He tightened his grip on her hand as he drank in the scene before him, completely amazed by the beauty.
A large lake spread out before them, smooth as glass with varying shades of iridescent blue. To the right, water rushed with fierce force, cascading over the rocks and creating a thick misting spray. In the distance, the sun was just beginning to make its descent behind the mountains.
"We're just in time," he said, his eyes dancing with wonder and excitement.
Moving closer to the water's edge, Richard laid out Kahlan's green blanket that he had brought along. Staring down at the blanket, Kahlan suddenly felt very awkward. Things had taken place on that blanket of hers, things that she had no memory of. That blanket knew more about what happened than she ever would.
Coming to stand beside her again, Richard wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Kahlan went willingly, wrapping her arms around his waist and allowing herself to enjoy this rare moment of time alone with the man who had won her heart. He softly stroked her back, creating lazy circles over her spine as he soaked in the magic of the scene before them.
Tilting his head, he kissed the top of her head. "Are you going to tell me why you've been so sad the last few days?" he finally asked her.
Kahlan tightened her arms around him, drawing herself even closer to him. She pressed her face into his shirt, wanting to hide herself in the shelter of his embrace. How could she possibly tell him how this whole experience had affected her without taking away the small amount of joy that the memories had given him?
After not receiving a response, Richard pushed a little further. "It's about what happened the other night, isn't it?"
Pulling back, Richard turned her to face him. Seeing the tears pooling in her eyes, he felt his heart beat falter, the truth of his words reflecting back at him in her gaze.
Lowering her eyes, Kahlan bit her bottom lip. "I just want so badly to remember," she softly replied, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I've tried so hard and I can't remember any of it."
Richard lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. "I'll just have to show you then," he told her with a lop-sided grin.
"Richard…" she cautioned, slowly shaking her head in disagreement, knowing it would only lead to heated emotions that could not be resolved.
"We went for a walk in the woods that night," he began, ignoring the pleading note in her voice. "You wanted to talk to me about something. I was so worried about you, worried that something was wrong.
"You told me that you were fine, that you might get your powers back tomorrow or never," he continued, staring into her blue eyes. "You told me that this could be our only chance.
"It took a moment for your words to sink in," he admitted with a sigh. "I was so worried about you and getting your magic back that I hadn't even considered the fact that we could finally be together. But you were standing there so beautiful in the moonlight asking me if I wanted to…and I did…more than anything in this world, Kahlan."
Kahlan's eyes fell closed as she listened to his voice, savoring the tenderness in his tone, the longing that permeated his every word. It warmed her clear to her toes thinking of this man and the passion that swam through his veins, passion that was stirred by her.
"And then I grabbed hold of your face," he said. "And then I kissed you…like this…" he told her, his lips crashing into hers before she could speak.
Kahlan immediately responded, her fingers finding his hair and pulling him closer. It was a kiss so full of promise and sweet anticipation of what lay ahead for them. It was a kiss unlike any that he had ever given her, so full of unbridled passion and urgency, a need so great that she found herself desperate to meet it for him…for the both of them.
His tongue glided along her lips, prodding and pleading to be allowed access as he buried his hands fully in her hair. She readily complied, opening herself up to him and the desire that she could already feel pounding through his body.
Her lungs began to burn for air, but her hunger was too consumed with him. Her chest heaved, never wanting this to end, wanting him to kiss her like this forever. But then his lips left hers, creating a trail along her cheekbone to her ear.
His breath was warm and moist against her skin as she tilted her head, begging him to continue. Pulling her flush against his body, his lips and tongue toyed with her ear, driving her need higher.
"And then I reached for your jacket…like this…" he whispered in her ear, his hand falling free from her hair, skating along her throat before beginning to work the clasps on her jacket.
Kahlan moaned, her body crying out for him to take her as her mind began to plead with her to stop this now before she hurt the man that she loved with her whole being. Her fingers gripped tightly to his shoulders, her fingers kneading his muscles.
"We were so frantic to remove each other's clothes," he breathed heavily against her neck as he pushed her jacket off. His fingers lightly stroked along her shoulders, causing her to shiver. "We couldn't get them off soon enough. We were so desperate to touch each other…to feel your soft skin against mine."
Before she knew it, before she could stop herself, Kahlan was pulling his shirt free from his breeches, dragging it up his body. He lifted his arms, allowing her to pull it up over his head. Once free, he swiftly pulled her against him, his hands snaking around behind her to work the laces of her corset.
Kahlan pressed her forehead against his shoulder, her lips and teeth grazing along his flesh. The haunting voice of reason fought so hard to be heard over the intense heat that was beginning to consume her body, but her overwhelming need to experience what her fragmented half had known drowned out all the reasons she needed to stop this.
She loved him too much to confess him and yet she loved him too much to let him go. It was truly just like there were two parts of her, each at war with the other – one part of her all woman, the other all Confessor, each fighting because of the infinite love they held for their Seeker.
Richard could scarcely believe that this was actually happening, that Kahlan was allowing him to take it this far. He was not about to back down now. He knew this was right, with every fiber of his being he believed and knew that their love would withstand even the most powerful magic.
Laying her down on the green blanket, Richard moved over her, his hands trailing over her flesh, finding her lips and kissing her deeply. "And then I touched you…here…" he murmured against her cheek, his hand finding her thigh.
A throaty moan escaped her lips, the sensation of his fingers so rough and urgent against her flesh driving her mad. He was strong like steel and yet so gentle and tender, urgent with a fiery need and yet so consumed with her and her pleasure.
The sound of the water crashing over the rocks, the heat of his touch and the intensity of his kisses was rapidly propelling her higher to a precipice that she never thought that she would ever reach, one that she had believed was so unattainable.
Her fingers stroked over his flesh, her lips kissing anywhere she could reach him as he touched her in places that Richard had only touched in her dreams. His panting breath was hot against her chest as he covered in kisses, his hand pulling her leg higher.
"Richard…" she panted, her head spinning with an ecstasy so sweet that she thought she would die from the sheer joy of it shared with the man that she loved.
"Kahlan…it's alright…please trust me…" he gasped between kisses, his lips moving closer to hers as he hovered just above her, his eyes dark with desire focused solely on her.
"I'm so…scared…" she cried as she grasped his face firmly in her hands. "I want you…but I can't live without you…"
"You will never…lose me…I love you, Kahlan…you have all of me…forever…"
Tears escaped as she stared into the eyes that knew her inside and out. She never felt more safe, more alive or more loved than she did in that moment. She suddenly understood.
Kahlan immediately rose up, seizing his lips with hers. A moan hummed in his throat as he entered her, completely filling her with himself just as she completely filled his heart. A cry split the air as they came together, causing him to pause.
Richard pressed his forehead against hers, attempting to hold himself together as he allowed her a moment to adjust to his intrusion. "I'm so sorry, my love…I never want to hurt you…"
Tilting her head, Kahlan brushed her nose against his, pain subsiding to a dull ache as pleasure began to take control of her. "I love you, Richard…more than anything…"
"I love you too," he murmured as he began to move his hips, slowly and methodically, pouring all of himself into each and every movement. It was for her…all for her.
Wrapping her long legs around his waist, she pulled him in deeper, eliciting a growl that caused a shiver to race up her spine as her magic spun like a tornado deep within her. She chanted his name, her love for him filling the air as he took her to places that made her mind go numb with ecstasy.
Her vision suddenly began to tunnel, swirling from blue to black and matching the storm that raged inside of her. The feelings and sensations he was provoking within her was indescribable, stealing her breath and sealing their hearts as one.
Kahlan bit her lip, drawing blood as she fought against the storm begging for release. Richard could feel her tensing beneath him, his lips finding hers and tasting blood. He felt his heart constrict, knowing that she fighting so hard to love him while also fighting against the nature that she had been born with.
Leaning in, he whispered softly in her ear. "Let go, Kahlan," he murmured. "I'm not afraid."
Kahlan's head fell back with the intensity of his love, the powerful force with which he drove into her. Her fingernails found the muscles of his back, digging into his flesh as her lips parted. A scream of unadulterated bliss tore from her lungs as her power and her heart were finally set free.
Richard clung fiercely to her, holding her close as he released deep within her, her name spilling from his lips. He held onto her as her magic swept through him like a violent whirlwind seeking to claim and to steal what already belonged to her.
Finding nothing, it left him almost as soon as it touched him. Collapsing on top of her, Richard buried his face in the crook of her neck, his lips whispering along her collarbone. Kahlan fought to calm her thundering heart as she cradled him in her arms.
"Richard…please...please tell me…"
"I'm alright," he told her, rolling off of her as he pulled her against him to face each other. "I love you with my whole being, Kahlan. You magic couldn't find anything to latch onto."
"I love you too, Richard," she whispered, her eyes shining with love. "Is this what that night was like?"
"No," he softly replied, shaking his head slightly. "This was so much better because it was you…all of you. And because we're here at the Falls of Aldermant together."
Sitting up, Richard pulled her up into his lap, holding her close against him as the sun began to set. They watched together as the water transformed right before their very eyes, changing from blue to purple and finally to red. It appeared as if the water itself was on fire, matching the love that burned within their hearts for one another.
Turning her attention away from the view, Kahlan leaned up and kissed him passionately, her hands gripping his hair firmly. Richard immediately returned the kiss, moaning softly with the joy that spilled from his heart.
Pulling back for air, Richard watched as the corners of his Confessor's lips turned up into a mischievous smile, her blue eyes dark with longing.
"Care to see the cascading waterfalls up close?"
TO BE CONTINUED…