Richard and Zedd stare at each other and then back at Shota. "What do you mean?" Richard asks.
"The one place that can rob you of your precious Kahlan," the witch-woman answers. "Once the Confessor finds her heart's desire in this particular land, she will not be able to leave."
Zedd looks as though something has dawned on him. "Blue Paradise," he says.
Richard makes a confused face. "Zedd?"
"There is an ancient myth...of a mystical island on the far side of the world," Zedd explains. "Once a pair falls in love there, they will be bound there forever. It's the island which feeds off love. That is why it remains so beautiful, the most beautiful, you see. The more the couple loves while there, the more they are rewarded by the island and further bound by it."
"But it's just a myth, right?" Richard asks.
Zedd looks to Shota. "Apparently not," he answers.
Shota stares down at the bowl in front of her. "The island was created many, many years ago as sort of a refuge from the world's horrors." She signals for Richard and Zedd to join her at the table. There, they stare at the bowl of liquid which starts to display everything Shota describes. "Insurmountable hate and so many wars were present at the time," she says. The bowl of water reflects fire, people killing people. "It is said that a select portion, the most deserving, good-hearted and strong-willed people, were sent to the far ends of the earth in order to live in peace and escape their otherwise grim fate." The bowl reflects figures dressed in yellow cloaks surrounded by a great fire, chanting. "It is not known if they were wizards or witches," Shota continues, "or simply beginners of the power, but a magnificent group of daring individuals created an island where only love and good could prosper. Any evil of the island would also eventually succumb to its warmth and beauty."
Richard stares at the images within the bowl intently. "So it's like a spell? The people who fall in love there aren't truly in love?"
"Oh, no, the love is real," Shota answers. "The island only helps it to flourish, whether romantic love or platonic. It is only evil which would be compromised. But then again, evil has never made its way to those confines. Your friends being there only means that they are safe. Sadly, it also means that the Confessor will not be around to protect you from death."
"Another prophecy I take it? One that says I will die?"
"No, a strong feeling that the reason you are even still alive is due to the Confessor. Most prophets believe she has been the one constant to keep you safe all this time, and that without her, you will surely die sooner than later. With either her not by your side or your death just around the corner, the world is certain to perish...new Seeker or not. Or so some think."
Richard casts a concerned look in Zedd's direction. "How did the D'Harans come by this magic, the ability to send people to this island? Those men we fought earlier -"
"Were not D'Harans," Shota informs them.
Richard and Zedd make puzzled faces.
"They were underlings in disguise," Shota adds.
"Underlings?" Richard asks. "Sent by who?"
"The Secret Order," Shota reveals.
Zedd recognizes the name. "The ancient seers."
"The what?" asks Richard.
"The ancient seers," Shota confirms. The bowl shows slender individuals covered in tight, white leather from head to toe; their heads wrapped in tight hoods which reveal their faces clearly. "People with the ability to look into the future far beyond what I can do. They originally served the Keeper. When the Keeper betrayed one of their most respected and trusted, they stopped serving him completely and went into seclusion. They vowed to only serve themselves from that point on. Since all they had ever known was evil, they decided to continue with the unjust and indecent and be better at it than the Keeper himself."
Disgusts shows on Richard's face. "So this is like a contest to them?"
"One in which they lost," Shota confirms. "Many people know of the Keeper and his reign. But how many know of the seers and theirs?"
It all comes clear to Zedd. "They must have seen that this would happen, and had some of their underlings train daily for this one event."
"The orb..." clarity dawns on Richard as well. "Before Kahlan and Cara disappeared, a man held a glowing orb which he threw at their feet."
"The orb of J'ahan," Shota confirms. "Given that the island's exact location is unknown and is shielded by an invisible force even if you were to find it, the orb is the only thing that can allow one to travel to Blue Paradise. It is the key."
Richard makes an alarmed expression. "There's more of those things?"
"Yes, but they remain with the creators of Blue Paradise. To obtain one, you must first find them, or at least one of them. They are immortal beings, and thus you will be able to look upon the originals."
"Where?"
Shota's eyes take on a more serious expression. "You must travel to the Land of Forsithe, described as being quite separate from the island but not impossible to find." As all three observe the bowl, it shows the great travel one will have to go through just to get to this land. "It is said that once there, and in its Shadow's Peak, one may get a glimpse of a Blue Paradise creator."
"I'll need more than a glimpse," Richard retorts.
"Then you will have to be more convincing while there. They will have to feel your need, your need for them and their power."
"These beings... They are supposed to be good, right?" Richard infers. "Then how did a seer get a hold of one long enough to obtain an orb?"
"That...I do not know," Shota replies, not hint of deception in her voice.
"Really? You know everything else." Richard's voice is harsh and accusatory.
Zedd intervenes. "I think...my boy, what she means is that these creators take great care not to have it revealed who they have given an orb to or why."
Shota smiles. "Thank you, Zeddicus. "You always did understand me so easily." Her eyes return to Richard. "The only reason I am aware about its role in the Mord-Sith and Confessors' disappearances is because of what I saw in my visions."
Richard moves closer. "So all I have to do is find one of these Blue Paradise creators, convince them to give me one of their keys - an orb - to this island you speak of, and I'll be able to bring Kahlan and Cara back?"
"Not exactly," Shota says." The orb is not something that can be wielded at random. This was intentionally done to keep it from being used irresponsibly. It takes time to acquire its full power."
"How long?"
"Two to three years...at most."
"Two to three years?!" Richard's voice momentarily goes up an octave. "We can't wait that long. She would have taken a mate and had his babies by then. Zedd, tell her."
Zedd and Shota give each other a knowing look. "It cannot be helped," the witch-woman replies.
Richard turns away, sighing heavily. But when he turns back, it is with determination. "So Kahlan and Cara are indeed on this island together? Do you know with who? Or how many of these 'special ones' are there?"
IIII
Cara steps out from behind tall grass, stopping at the edge of the lake in front of Kahlan. The brunette is naked, water up to her chest, taking comfort in the cool confines as she bathes. Cara finds it odd that the lake is so cool. Though there is shade and water is any relief from the blazing sun blistering above them, the liquid is at a most unusual temperature level; not too warm, not too cool. Just perfect.
"No one," Cara says, eyes briefly trailing along Kahlan's neck to the hidden chest. "I must have checked most of this island up and down by now, and I am telling you that no one is here but us."
Kahlan looks to Cara. "I haven't been in the water for too long, and I'm sure this land is bigger than a few walks up and down a couple of green areas."
Cara purses her lips. "A Mord-Sith knows."
"Oh, so you're a prophet now?"
Cara sighs, taking a sit at the water's edge. "I guess there's still more of this world to explore."
Kahlan smiles, lazily dragging a piece of cloth over her shoulder. "Looks like we'll be cutting off parts of our clothing for quite a while," she says. "You're right about the heat. I can't imagine walking around in it wearing three layers of clothing for any strenuous amount of time."
Cara bites on her bottom lip, somewhat frustrated. "Are you almost done?" she asks pointedly. "We need to find shelter; I don't know what kind of creatures lie in wait here, and if you were to go off and get eaten, the Seeker would never forgive me." She pauses, contemplating her next words. "Right after crying like a baby."
Kahlan giggles. The way Cara is eyeing her, like she has committed treason, is even more humorous. But after awhile, the giggles cease and she challenges the woman's gaze. Cara's eyes have briefly moved from her face to her neck in a way that Kahlan can't quite decipher, but it is uncomfortable. "Could you look away for a moment?" she asks.
Cara rolls her eyes, standing and immediately offering her back. It's not like she was ogling. She was only admiring the fact that Kahlan has nice skin. Very nice skin. "The Confessor and her modesty," she says, "even around women. Even when I was in the water where you are now, you felt the need to turn your head."
"Well, everyone can't be as nonchalant about bearing skin as you, Cara." Kahlan swims to the water's edge, quickly standing to grab a silk covering from under her pile of leather. Putting it on in a hurry, it fits as snugly as a gown. "Okay," she says, looking around for her boots.
At that, Cara turns to view the brunette. "Good. Now we can worry about food and shelter and everything else later. It'll be dark soon."
"I saw some berries over to the left behind me," Kahlan notes, grabbing her boots and daggers.
"I said food," Cara sighs. "Berries hardly qualify."
Kahlan smiles, tossing her head to the side as she attempts to dry it with a smaller piece of cloth. "You know, it's odd. I don't remember seeing berries over there before. But after I kept thinking how hungry I was, it's like they suddenly appeared; they were there the next time I looked."
Cara raises an eyebrow at this, and moves past Kahlan to stare at the bush in front of them. "Yes... There is something very strange about this land." She turns back to Kahlan. "Lead the way."
At first, Kahlan is at a loss for what Cara means. Then their earlier conversation about leading appears to dawn on her, and she smiles, wagging a finger at the blonde. "See, you're learning."
"Ha, ha," Cara replies sarcastically.
They move forward, into the tall grass.
IIII
Outside Shota's dwelling, Richard and Zedd mount individual horses that she has provided for their travel. "You will need to find them before she falls in love," the woman warns, standing close.
Richard looks back at her. "I kind of figured that," he replies pointedly.
"As I said before, other than the Mord-Sith and Confessor, I do not know what or who this island could harbor, so who the Confessor gives her heart to is as much a mystery to me as it is to you. The ancient seers and Blue Paradise creators are the only ones with those answers. But I do know that the island's inhabitants are not immortal, and that the island may accept people in low numbers. How low the bar may be set is yet another mystery."
Richard narrows his eyes, and then rides ahead, leaving Zedd to look over his shoulder at Shota. "I thank you," says the wizard.
Shota nods in understanding, as Zedd speeds ahead as well. "May the spirits be with you... You'll need it."
IIII
Richard and Zedd ride over several terrains, day and night, sometimes more than once, while Cara and Kahlan do their best to survive and endure the blistering heat. They transform their clothing into shorter, easier wear. At night, Cara watches Kahlan cry by their usual comfort fire. They don't need warmth, but they do need decently cooked meals and light during the darkness.
Richard and Zedd find dwelling after dwelling to no avail of any of them harboring Cara and Kahlan. One night, Zedd watches Richard get drunk in a tavern, tears in his eyes. Displeased by such a display of self-defeat, Zedd kicks him, causing the young Seeker to fall off a stool and curse at the old man. By day, Zedd watches him stab frustratedly at a tree, the Sword of Truth glowing bright yellow, as if in sync with the sun's glow.
Meanwhile, Cara drags big pieces of wood along the sand, using one of Kahlan's daggers to chip away at a second batch. Kahlan sits close by, watching. In the days that follow, the two enjoy each other's company at "Waterfall Lake," Cara's name for the area. They bathe, laugh, and occasionally splash each other with water. But their eyes never quite land on the other's body.
Richard and Zedd sleep in a room in an Inn a month later, Richard looking up at the ceiling like a lost child. Cara and Kahlan stand atop the plunge waterfall watching the magnificent view together. Just before dusk, they hunt in the ocean for fish, spears in their hands; Cara is the better hunter.
After more rigorous searches, Richard and Zedd have finally found the Land of Forsithe, both standing in a foggy, windy area, hair blowing wildly. Before them is a faded-looking individual cloaked in yellow. Richard screams something at the figure.
As time goes on, Cara works hard, chipping at rocks, tying vines together, and hammering away on wood as she finishes building the shelter she has created for herself and Kahlan. Though not as extensive in her efforts, the brunette helps as well, lending Cara her daggers and other utensils.
Richard sits on the floor in a large empty room with his eyes closed and an orb of J'ahan in his lap, meditating. With Zedd at his side, they stand in some kind of mystical palace as Richard trains how to use an orb of J'ahan before a Blue Paradise creator.
IIII
Two years have gone by when Kahlan, dressed in a barely-there leather version of her brown Confessor attire, raven hair having lost all of its curl but complementing her attractive features nevertheless, stands on her shelter's balcony watching Cara intently.
Cara also wears barely-there clothing, and her look, much like Kahlan's, has changed as well; her Mord-Sith leather is now cut into two pieces: A tight short, skirt which helps emphasize her buttocks and slender, strong legs. And a diagonal yet full-fitting top which stretches across her left shoulder to lace at the back, showing off her midriff. Her golden hair is at least six inches longer, and it shines beautifully in the sun, effortlessly framing her face.
Dagger in hand, and working on sharpening a spear a few feet away from the shelter, she seems to sense eyes on her. When she looks up, Kahlan catches her breath. Blond hair hangs in front of a questioning face, lips pursed tightly. "Problem?" Cara asks.
Kahlan stutters for words. "Just... Amazing how your body has changed."
Cara, still confused, surveys herself. "What of it?"
Kahlan smiles. "Cara, look at your stomach."
Cara does, seeing the tight ripples there.
"You have muscles," Kahlan emphasizes.
Cara shrugs it off, going back to sharpening her spear. "Always had them. They just show better now... That's to be expected, having to do this day in and day out... For two years," she gripes, frowning. "And you know what?"
Kahlan nods "no," though a smile threatens to spread her lips. Cara throws the spear down, pacing back and forth, frustrated. "I'm tired of it," she harps. "Tired of it, I say. Tired of waiting for Richard. Tired of fish, tired of waiting for Zedd, tired of eating fish in between waiting for Richard and Zedd. Tired!"
Kahlan bursts into giggles; Cara turns to her, clearly unamused. "What's so funny?" she asks.
"It's just...you do this every time."
"Do not."
"Do too."
Cara sneers.
Kahlan starts to stomp, mocking Cara as she does, "I'm tired of these fish. All they do is swim around. Such dumb animals. As dumb as Richard and Zedd. Dumb, I say. Tired of these fish."
Cara's mouth drops open, agape, as if offended. "That's it," she says, running for their shelter and causing Kahlan to scream with laughter. Though Cara is swift behind her, Kahlan goes up the pole leading to their roof and makes it to the top of the shelter. She waits for Cara to join her.
When Cara does, the blonde holds her hands up in defeat. "Okay, okay, you win," she says. Breathing heavily, she takes a seat. Kahlan, not nearly as out of breath, sits beside her. "I suppose I miss fresh rabbit... And Richard and Zedd," Cara reluctantly admits.
Kahlan smirks.
"With a place as big as this, you would think they would have some type of real meat around here," Cara continues. "Truly. Aside from being rescued, that's all I ask."
"Yeah," Kahlan agrees.
IIII
At night, some feet away from the shelter, Cara and Kahlan are present around a fire. Kahlan sits looking into the flames; Cara stands sharpening her spear. Kahlan watches Cara, just like before. And just like before, Cara can sense eyes on her. "What is it now?" she asks, turning to Kahlan. "Is it Richard? I told you...the fact that my agiels are still working means he's still alive. Well, likely anyhow."
"No, it's not that," Kahlan replies softly.
"What, then?"
Kahlan looks up at her. How can she tell this woman that she's been having less-than-pure thoughts? Confusing, physically-intimate thoughts...about her? "I've been thinking," Kahlan says as a lead-in.
"About?"
"We've been here for two years now. I have had to keep date with markings in the dirt."
"Yes, we know this."
"You think we can't leave even if we wanted to," Kahlan says, "and there is no one else here. No one. We have checked the entire island. And no one."
"Yes, we know this."
"All we have is each other."
Cara stops at this. Looks down at Kahlan.
"I don't want to sound as though I'm giving up on Richard," Kahlan's voice breaks, "because I'm not. But maybe it's time we think beyond waiting for Richard and Zedd."
"Kahlan?"
The brunette adds a finality to her tone, eyes searching Cara's for some common ground. "If this is how our life is going to be in the meantime, and all we have is each other, then I want to be closer to you."
Cara arches an eyebrow.
"I want to know more about you," Kahlan elaborates.
Cara starts sharpening her spear again. "You know everything already: Captured, tortured, Mord-Sith, now helps the Seeker."
Kahlan chuckles. "You see? You're often able to get a laugh out of me even at random, and I want to know where that comes from. Being captured, tortured, Mord-Sith, and now helping the Seeker, that's not everything, the only thing, about you." She takes in a deep breath, then exhales. "What about your childhood before you were captured, not just what I know? Or your favorite color. Or -"
"- Not important."
"Cara, please."
Cara stops again, looks down at Kahlan; there is such longing in her eyes, such loneliness, despite the fact that she is right there with her. Cara cannot turn her away when she is like this. So she slowly sits beside the brunette and sighs."When I was a child, I used to sing. Dahlia enjoyed it. Sometimes I would become irritated when she asked me to sing so much. But it quickly became a part of me...as did she."
Kahlan moves closer, looking Cara over as if she is seeing some new part of her. "Would you sing for me?"
"Okay, Mother Confessor, that's pushing it."
Kahlan laughs. "Just one song. Anything."
Cara hesitates for what seems like an eternity, then starts into a light, melancholy tune. As she does, Kahlan touches a hand to the blonde's face and forces her to look up at her. Their eyes lock with intensity, but Cara does not break the gaze; she continues the song, louder now, daring Kahlan to look away, but Kahlan does not. With great versatility of vocals, culminating into an impressive finish, Cara soon ends the song; Kahlan is in tears. "That was beautiful," she says, staring at Cara's lips for the briefest of seconds and then back into her eyes. "Very beautiful, Cara."
Cara abruptly stands, grabs her spear and starts sharpening it again. "Yes, well, it was my favorite as a child."
Kahlan wipes at her eyes, seemingly trying to get her thoughts back together and regain her composure. "I couldn't understand the language. What were you saying?"
"That as long as our hearts belong to each other, everything will work out for the better," Cara replies very matter of factly. "You know, that type of thing."
Kahlan stares up at Cara, a bit of disappointment clouding her features. "How can you say that with such lack of emotion, but sing it with so much more?"
Cara looks at her, puzzled. "How else would you have me say it?"
Kahlan lowers her head, seems to think for a second, then smiles back up nervously. "Like that, I suppose. Just as you said it, Cara."
Cara returns to sharpening her spear.
IIII
In the main space of their shelter the next morning, Cara, on her side of the room, opens her eyes to find a plump, white animal before her. At first, she believes she is dreaming and closes her eyes. Those eyes snap right back open in another second, however. "A rabbit!"
Kahlan, on the other side of the room, left, slowly sits up. "What?"
"Kahlan, it's a rabbit. A blessed rabbit! Quick, I need my spear, or my bow."
With the sudden shift of movement, the rabbit scurries out the shelter's door. Cara quickly grabs her bow and arrow sitting by her bed of thick grass. "Oh no you don't," she says, chasing after the rabbit and almost tripping over Kahlan on her way out.
"A rabbit?" Kahlan replies, staring blankly.
Outside, Cara dashes in the dirt after the furry animal, but trips over some blocks of wood. It does not seem to matter, however, for she appears to be laughing herself to death.
Kahlan runs out, dashing to Cara's side."Are you okay?"
"Brilliant!" the blonde replies. "We have rabbits. Why wouldn't I be?" She laughs so hard and deeply that it makes Kahlan burst into laughter. "We have rabbits now," she repeats. "Imagine that." She sighs with happiness. "This is one odd place."
The two of them lean their foreheads together, grinning wide.
IIII
Meanwhile, at the Blue Paradise creators' palace, Richard holds an orb of J'ahan flat out in his hand, Zedd to his side, and several Blue Paradise creators in a parallel line before them. The orb glows with a single breathtakingly beautiful light. "Hold on, Kahlan," he says. "I'm coming."
