Title: Storytime

Rating: PG

Characters/pairings: Cara, Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd
A/N: Written for Legendland, the prompt was the gang tells scary stories around a campfire.

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A sizzling crack from the fire invaded the air as three illuminated faces looked expectedly at Cara.

She held their rapt gazes as the light from the flames danced across her unblinking visage. Slowly, one eyebrow rose as she began her tale.

Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd did not know what they were in for. What in spirit's name would scare a Mord'Sith?

"The day drew near. Everyone had their pieces of parchment to put in the box. This day was dreaded more than the visit from the local barrister to collect the community taxes," she paused as the trio wondered what kind of story she would tell...

"Anyone older than five seasons had to attend. This particular year the entire Mason household scrawled their names on the parchment and solemnly made their way to the town square"...she paused for effect as the Seeker's eyebrow went up at the mention of her family name.

"The elder sister squeezed her sister's hand as they trailed behind their parents."

Cara poked a bit at the fire as she continued," The youngest one whispered to her sister about what was to come. She had put her bravest face on, but she knew this day was dreaded, she just didn't know why."

"Sacrifice. Every harvest had its price. The villagers kept to the old ways and each year there was a lottery. One person was chosen. It was thought to be quite an honour. The surviving family members were given the lion's share of the harvest and were thought to be blessed by the spirits"

"All this instilled a chill in their spines as they walked the rocky path to the main square. It was as though they were marching to their own funeral, in fact for someone it would be..."

Her wry monotone delivery of her tale added to the suspense.

"They all went to the great box in the center of the square and put in their parchment. A small stool was placed beside the table the box was kept on for the smaller people to use. Each person had to put in their own ballot. It was the way that things were done."

"The town magistrate then chose a name and the chosen party notified later that eve."

Cara paused as she reached for her water skein. The shadows from the flickering flames made her mystery even more so, all three of them were in rapt suspense.

"Well, who was chosen?" Richard piped up, getting impatient with his curiosity. He had shuffled closer to Kahlan and had placed a reassuring palm on her knee.

The sombre look on her face was enough to stop his speech.

"I never knew. I was taken later that eve by the Headmistress...I..often wondered..."

Fin