Kahlan was sitting on a log, nervously smoothing her dress. Looking down at her hands, she remembered the last time she was sitting like that, waiting for Richard. That time, Richard had been confessed to Annabel and was only doing as he was told. Now, however, it would be of his free will, and kahlan couldn't be happier. Since they left the pillars of creation, both she and Richard couldn't wait for the opportunity to be alone, but with Zedd and Cara constantly watching them with knowing smiles it was much too awkward to go into the woods by themselves. Finally, zedd was the one to put them out of their misery. After setting up camp early that night, kahlan helped Richard with dinner and when they were finished, zedd sighed and rubbed his belly.
"Well, I think I'm ready for a nice long nap," he announced.
Cara raised an eyebrow "Really, wizard? Does this mean you're planning on taking the first shift tonight? After all, if we are forced to endure you're snoring for the rest of the evening, it's only fair you'll have the first watch, while we get some rest."
"Actually Cara, I think its a wonderful idea," zedd looked at kahlan and Richard with a sly smile on his face before continuing "In fact, I think that after such a long nap, I'll be awake for most of the nigh anyway, so all of you can get a good night's sleep."
Not missing a thing, Cara had no trouble figuring out the wizard's intentions, yet for some mysterious reason she just took another serving of the food and mumbled something about needing the sleep to better protect Lord Rahl.
Looking at Richard, zedd sighed again. "It's going to be a beautiful night, my boy. If I was as young as you are, I would no doubt go for a nice, long walk under the stars." Glancing at kahlan, he thoughtfully added "you should join him, my dear. Richard is a very talented woods guide. I'm sure he can teach you a thing or two about the woods at night."
Not being able to resist Cara looked at wizard, grinning "Don't you think he can teach me a thing or two as well?"
This time it was Richard who answered, watching kahlan from the corner of his eye, only to see her face turning slightly red.
"I think, Cara, that zedd probably knows you won't trust him to watch over us all by himself, and so he's giving you a chance to stay close. And besides, since when are more sith such fans of moonlight walks? "
Choosing not to continue the argument, Cara turned back to the fire, not before giving kahlan a chance to notice her wide grin.
Then, kahlan stood up. She knew that if she waited any longer, Cara's looks and remarks would surely make her lose her courage, something she needed badly in order to go through with what the night had in store for her.
"Zedd, I think your right, this is a beautiful night. It thinks I'll go for a short walk, just to get some air." She turned, not looking at anyone, especially not at Richard, and than marched out of the camp. She was positive that Richard will follow, and she knew perfectly well her lame accuse didn't convince anybody, but for her sake, she needed to keep an appearance of privacy.
It only took her a short time to find a clearing that was far enough for her liking, and she picked a log to sit on, waiting for Richard. He was a talented tracker, and she wasn't that far from the campsite, so she knew that it wouldn't take him long to find her. Still, he might not come, she thought. Maybe the way she left camp made him think she wasn't interested, or maybe he wasn't interested…just thinking about it scared her so much she didn't even notice Richard until he was right beside her.