You

by Bardaholic

"An illness of the heart, the healer had advised. He believed that she had likely had it for a while and it had gone unnoticed, but it was getting worse, and there was nothing to be done." Something sad/angsty, and no doubt completely medically inaccurate, but that's irrelevant ;) **Updated existing chapters, added a couple more**

2. Chapter 2

The next time Kahlan fainted, Cara began to unravel. It was a little over a month later, on a warm, clear day. Kahlan's body may have grown weary but her mind had not, and she was growing restless within the confines of the palace, no longer able to keep up with stress of her work. She pleaded with Cara to walk with her just outside the palace walls, and the blonde had to wonder when it was that she'd begun to find herself unable to deny Kahlan anything, no matter how ill-advised the request.

Kahlan opted to avoid the busy market stalls outside the front gates and the people of Aydindril who would recognise her, directing Cara to a lake behind the palace instead. Despite her worry, Cara was glad to see Kahlan's genuine smile as they strolled slowly along the shore. Kahlan tired quickly and they took shelter from the sun beneath a tree, but Cara smiled imperceptibly to see Kahlan looking more as she was used to seeing her; in her leather travelling clothes, instead of the regal white gown of the Mother Confessor, with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above to brighten her cheeks, her hair lifting lazily in the breeze. Kahlan looked more at home outdoors, despite having been raised into the formal life of a Confessor.

An hour passed the two women by as they sat in comfortable silence, shoulders touching, allowing themselves a respite from the problems and worries they each faced. The distant chatter from the market stalls occasionally wafted by with the breeze, and an assortment of birds bathed in the lake. When Kahlan's stomach grumbled, Cara smirked and suggested they head back. Kahlan blushed and nodded in agreement.

They were just stepping into the grand entryway of the palace when Kahlan reached out for Cara, feeling unsteady. Her eyes closed and her body went limp, falling into Cara's arms. The Mord-Sith's jaw clenched with worry as she swiftly made her way through the palace, paying no heed to the servants and officials she passed along the way. She listened carefully to each feeble inhale and exhale coming from the body in her arms, trying to keep herself grounded.