She looked up at him, Richard, her Richard. "What?" "Me don't I get to say how I feel? I mean here you are telling me all these things you can do and how you feel but you wouldn't let me say anything. Kahlan I don't need you touch me with your gift to get me to want to do what you want me to. I love you, I have loved you since that night at Zedd's. I love you more than my own life and would do anything for you. If YOU hadn't asked me I would probably still be in Heartland. I am chasing a killer because you asked me to not because I am the seeker. Being the seeker only gives me the strength and courage to do it but not the need". She looked so scared at his words and was so confused that she started to move away wondering if she had already touched him.
"Kahlan without you I am just Richard Cypher woods guide and that's it. You made me the seeker and if you leave or I lose you I will just be a woods guide again. I would go to the ends of the world and beyond if you asked me. If I am going to be under you control for doing it at least I will have known what it feels like before that happens. I will at least have those few second to enjoy and love you as myself". Before she could get any farther he grabbed her hand and pulled her into him, kissing her with all his passion, his love.
He loved everything about her inside and out, physically, emotionally and spiritually and he could see she loved him the same way. She half-heartedly tried to pull away once but he held her to him. She could feel her power rising beyond her control and soon the barrier was breached, as if a bolt of lightning hit him in the chest, he was flung back. Kahlan collapsed to the ground drained and in tears. She tried to warn him but he didn't listen and now it was too late.
She felt his hand on her back helping her up. "Kahlan, KAHLAN, Are you hurt? What was that my lips are still tingle?" She couldn't bear to look at him knowing all too well her Richard was gone, knew that those eyes, Richard wonderful eyes, would a dark empty hollow. "Kahlan look at me answer me please. I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that but I couldn't help it". She knew he wouldn't stop till she looked at him and told him she was fine so she turned face him. Something in his face looked odd, it must be how he is reacting to my touch, she thought. "I'm fine, please Richard just leave me for now. I will be fine." She knew he would at least leave her alone for a little while her word was now his life. She looked away again not knowing if he had moved away or not.
"No" he said "I need you to look at me and tell me your ok. Look into my eyes and let me know". She looked at him in shock for the second time that evening. "What did you say to me?" he sighed and sat down next to her. "Kahlan, I said, no I will not leave until you tell me your ok. I'm sorry I kissed you that way it was wrong of me but given the chance I would do it again in a heartbeat I will never forget that kiss no matter how long I live. Your gift doesn't bother me and I love you just as much as before maybe even a little more. Now please tell me you're ok so I can finish setting up the camp before Zedd gets back, if we aren't done he will roast us alive…"