Title: A Day to Play

Author: Zephyrmyst

Pairing: Richard and Kahlan

Rating: PG 13

Word count: 600

Author's note: Un-beta'd ficlet for Legendland, we had to write a story based on a picture.

High above the Dammar River near the Jara Pass was a quiet meadow, with one amazing view. From their vantage point, there was nothing by blue skies and the river, feeding into the ocean. It was like they were at the edge of the world. Richard and Kahlan had a day free to themselves and were making the most of it. They had planned a hike, and wanted to train a bit more in hand to hand combat.

It was exhilarating, the fresh scent of the tree resin, the chattering sound of the songbirds, and the warm rays washing them aglow in light. The grass was peppered with wildflowers, all in bloom, a dazzling rainbow of colors. All was at peace.

Richard felt free, he missed the old days, but he wouldn't trade any of it if it meant Kahlan was not in his life. He couldn't imagine her not being there, she was a thread, woven into the fabric of his soul.

He watched her as a butterfly circled around and then landed on her finger. Smiling as she cooed to it. Everything and everyone seemed to gravitate towards her, she was beauty itself.

Her gaze rose to his as if she knew his thoughts; a day of peace indeed.

The butterfly took flight, joining others taking in the bounty of the meadow. Kahlan laughed as she threw her arms up and spun around."Oh, this is delicious!"

Laughing, he joined her, clasping her hands as they spun around, joviality bubbling between them.

The moment gone, she gently pushed him away, grinningly. "So, are we going to work here or just spend our time looking at flowers?"

Scoffing, he blushed a bit and pulled out his sword. "M'Lady, I am always at the ready". He flipped his sword with a quick wrist action and bowed deep.

She smirked at him, gracefully dipping as if in a curtsey, meanwhile grabbing her daggers in her boots.

Whirling around, her steel met his as he blocked her attempt, an equal smile on his visage.

They circled each other, mirroring movements as they each thought of a way to best the other. Richard moved first.

He swung his sword wide, jumping back as she reacted, seizing the moment to kick her legs out from under her. She started to fall, but quickly gained foot again and retaliated.

"Oh, so we are playing dirty now eh?" She raised an eyebrow at him as she came at him, her daggers a blur as she sought to get the upper hand.

"All's fair in love and war darling".. he drawled at her as he parried with her, the sounds of metal echoing in the air, the birds now silent.

Driven now by pure competition, each fought with more vigour and precision, the air around them starting to prickle with energy.

Each thrust was met with an answering clang, dagger to sword, neither one dominant, no movement wasted. To see them from a distance was like watching a macabre yet beautiful dance. Richard and Kahlan were perfectly matched.

Finally, he thrust his sword into the ground, ducking as Kahlan delivered what might have been a fatal blow. "I concede...", he breathlessly spoke, "for today".

"Touché", she smirked as she laughed with him, her chest still heaving with the labour of their sport. Each of them invigorated and exhausted with their play.

It was a good day.