Richard woke with her sitting beside him with her right hand on his chest. Before he could blink away his sleep, he jumped forward and pulled her close, reaching for his sword to protect her. She said nothing through his movement, allowing him to hug her to him and soak in each other's warmth. His heart was racing for a moment as he searched the area. Finding no danger, he let out a sigh of relief and released his weapon.

"What's wrong?" She could hear the concern in his voice, but she found it difficult to speak. After a few breaths of silence, he began running his fingers through her hair, marveling at its silky texture. "Are you all right?"

Nodding, she fought her actions, hoping to get her next movements right. Bringing her hands to his cheeks, she held him still and brought her lips to his. Their kiss heated quickly, neither caring about their surroundings and the two who slept. Kahlan sat in his lap, her body pressed against his perfectly as he tightened his arms around her. He seemed to welcome her to him and it was a mind easing response.

The gentle rocking of her hips drove him mad, making his body scream out in need and it was more than evident. Her kiss was powerful and full of passion, skilled in a way that made him want to learn more. As though reading his thoughts, she pulled back just enough for them both to take a much needed breath and started to move away. He followed her to their feet without a word or hesitation.

To his surprise, they didn't move very far away, stopping just inside the surrounding trees. Before he could question her decision, her lips were back on his and her fingers tracing the top of his pants. Excitement filled him and increased as she continued to move her hands over him. It took all of his strength to keep from laying her beneath him and taking her the way he imagined. His pants were sliding down his legs and before he knew what happening, she had him lying on the ground, exposed.

He didn't know when she had removed her jacket, but it was a welcome sight. The tops of her breasts gave him a view he never wanted to forget, while letting his imagination run wild. To his delight, she pulled back her hair, moving it over her right shoulder as she leaned down and, ever so slowly, traced her tongue over his length. He watched her mouth open and himself slide in, making his heart pound while he fought to keep his eyes open. The sight before him was too perfect to lose.

His body demanded release, but he wouldn't give in. He couldn't, not yet. Whispering her name, he brought her to a pause. Confused, she met his eyes and pulled back, releasing him from the warmth of her mouth. He was panting, but she didn't notice as he reached out for her. Taking her hand, he pulled until she was, once again, sitting on his lap.

Holding her gaze, he reached behind her and slowly unlaced her corset. Her eyes were as dark as the night, hiding the blue he adored. Though it made him believe he was seeing more of the woman he loved. He held the leather to her for a few breaths, making sure she had enough time to stop him if she wanted or needed to. When she gave no response, he let go and watched it fall between them. She moved first and pulled it away, dropping it at their side. She watched his eyes, hoping that the sight of her would please him.

His lips parted for breath, her beauty far from anything he had known. Instinctively, he reached out for the unfamiliar scars. Though the woman before had looked like her, she didn't have any of the scars the woman before him did. Tracing his fingers over the fine line across her stomach, he brought his eyes to her breasts. They were perfect, heart stopping and had she kept still, he never would have looked away.

Her hands slid between them and took hold of him. Gently stroking, she moved with his breathing, using it as direction. Before his eyes slid closed, he leaned forward and collided their lips, using the action as a way to keep himself from exploding instantly. Trailing kisses down her neck, he covered her shoulders and chest, slowly making his way to her breasts. She struggled to continue moving, his mouth making her skin tingle and burn.

His hands slid over her sides, coming to her breasts with a gentle, yet rough, squeeze. The sensation brought a loud moan from her lips as her head fell back. Her fingers left his hardened flesh and rushed to his hair, holding him in place as though she would die if he moved. He took advantage of the moment and pushed forward, bringing her back to the ground. Keeping his hands on her breasts, he kissed down her stomach, releasing a moan of his own as she rocked her hips forward.

The taste of her skin was addictive, making him crave for nothing else. Lifting the top of her skirt, he slid his tongue beneath it, sampling more of her untouched skin. Her fingers wound tighter in his hair and her breath came in gasps, the feeling setting her on fire. He didn't stop as her hands fled his hair and reached for the ground, only finding it more arousing. Gliding his tongue back up her stomach and to her breasts, he snaked his right hand down and repositioned a piece of her skirt.

Richard let his fingers dance upon her thigh, letting the need build within her as he continued kissing over her chest. She was panting and moaning, thriving off of his touch and it only pushed him on. He grazed her for a moment, surprising her into releasing a loud moan. With her head pushed back into the dirt, he took the opportunity to kiss her neck, slowly licking his way up and over her chin. As their lips reconnected, he moved his fingers once again, this time pushing harder than before.

He drew it out, easing her into it until she did the only thing her body could do and when she bucked to meet his fingers, he pulled back just out of reach. Her hands were on his shoulders, clawing through his shirt and as their tongues fought for dominance, he repeated his action. He wanted nothing more than to give her what she desired, but he couldn't. This was as far as they had ever gone and with her lack of experience, she didn't know what to expect. He wanted her to enjoy it, feel his love for her and explore her own needs and desires. His lips were suddenly gone from hers, bringing a low groan of disappointment as he moved, but his next motion caught her completely off guard.

Kneeling between her legs, Richard shifted her skirt and exposed her to the cool wind. Her skin tingled at the sudden breeze and as she went to shield herself, he leaned down and stole the breath from her lungs. As her tongue had slid over him, he did the same for her. His name left her lips in a loud gasp as she fought her magic. She pulled on his hair, not knowing if she wanted to pull him away or bring him closer. He didn't shy away from her body, licking and sucking as though it was the only way of life.

Lifting her head, she forced her eyes to open and look down at him. "Richard..."

"Mmmm?" he replied, letting the moan vibrate his lips against her.

Another gasp fled her as she whispered his name, this time in warning, bringing him to pull back. Sitting up, he stared down at her and marveled at her beauty. Her chest rose quickly between breaths, her skin, covered in sweat and her eyes were darker than he's ever seen. The sight was beautiful and when he could stand it no longer, he brought his lips back to hers.

She returned his kiss in full, using it to guide her breaths and hold back her magic. She could taste herself on his lips and it fueled her fire. His arousal pressed against her stomach, reminding her of her original plan. Reaching between them, she took hold of his length and slowly began to stroke him. A few movements and he was done, breaking their kiss with a heated moan that was drowned out by her neck. He held still against her, needing to be close as long as possible, though he knew it was hard for her.

Lifting his head, he licked his lips, slowly and deliberately, letting the taste of her become stored in his memory. Her eyes were closed, making him anxious as he tried to figure out how she was feeling.

"Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" he asked in a quiet panic.

Shaking her head, she licked her own lips to buy herself another moment and deep breath. "No, I'm fine. I- I cannot believe I did that."

"What?"

"I allowed you to-" Pushing him from her chest, Kahlan sat up, and repositioned her skirt, covering herself before grabbing her corset from the dirt. Bringing the cold leather to her chest, she hid herself from his view and closed her eyes in embarrassment. "I shouldn't have allowed it to go that far."

"Why not? Kahlan, we- What we just did, it was wonderful."

Standing, she searched the trees to be sure they were alone. "For you, Richard."

"You appeared to enjoy it as well, Mother Confessor," he said as his anger built. "I don't recall you asking me to stop."

"No," she whispered shamefully. "I didn't ask you to stop and I am sorry. I never should have..." Releasing a sigh, she met his eyes and hoped he wouldn't see her fear and shame. "I can't hurt you, Richard. I won't." Then she was moving, leaving him, once again, alone in the dark.

"You would never hurt me. In the time we've known each other, it has been me who has hurt you." She paused at his words, her heart breaking from the pain in his voice. "I know I can never erase what I put you through, but I promise I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it hurt less. I won't give up on a life with you and I won't stop loving you. You can push me away, but I will always be here, Kahlan. I will always love you."

Holding her eyes closed, she pushed back her tears. "Please do not waste your life on me."

He came to stand behind her and as though he did it every day, he circled his arms around her waist and held her tightly. "You are a fool to believe a life with you would be a waste." Kissing the side of her neck, he sighed, "I know you've been conditioned to believe no one can love you, but I do and I will find a way to be yours." Loosening his hold on her, he nudged his chin against her shoulder. "Would you like me to help you with your corset?"

"Yes, please."

He walked at his Confessor's side, keeping a small space between them as he explained the difference between tracks in the dirt. Richard told her about tracking when he was younger, softly telling her that he would teach their daughters. It was a painful subject for her, he knew, but he made his position very clear. Her laugh filled the air as he tripped, his eyes having lingered on her for a moment too long.

"Are you all right?" she asked through a chuckle.

Nodding, he returned to his feet and wiped his hands on his pants. "I didn't see the rock..."

"I don't imagine you did," Zedd said sternly as he stepped beside the couple. "Your eyes, my boy, should remain ahead of you; not on-"

"I know," he replied quickly, keeping his grandfather from embarrassing the brunette. "I will keep my eyes on the trail ahead, I promise."

"See that you do. Kahlan, will you walk with me?"

The wizard was silent for a moment, trying to find the right words. He cared for the Mother Confessor, just as he did his grandson, but if he remained quiet, he wasn't sure what would happen. "I don't know what is going on between the two of you, but I know how you both feel. Your magic isn't something that should be tested, dear one. I know what happened between him and the other woman and I know it is painful, but you both have a duty to your people."

"I understand my duty, Zedd. I will never hide from what I must do, but that doesn't mean my heart agrees to go as easily. I will take a mate and Richard will marry. The order of things cannot be changed. Spending the night with that woman may have made it easier for him. In some way, he has already had me and now, perhaps there is a chance for him to move on with less pain."

"You know that is not true, Kahlan. He will find it harder to let go of you, especially now that he knows it was not you. There is no force in creation that can tear him away from you."

"He knows the danger I hold within. There is a reason he laid with that woman and not me. She held no magic; I do." Glancing to the older man, she gave him a sad smile, "I know we cannot have a life together. I am hurt, but it was my doing and I will give up my life to protect him."

With a sigh, Zedd laid his left hand on her shoulder, "It is not your life you must give up, but your love for him."

"I will always love him, Zedd."

"Last night proved something different. He may have been safe for what the two of you did, but it will not last. If you continue to endanger his life, I will step in."

"You're right," she agreed softly, dropping her eyes in shame. "It will not happen again."

"Kahlan?" Richard's voice pulled her from her thoughts, making her jump. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Nodding, she tossed him a side smile, being sure the wizard didn't see. "I know, it's all right. I was thinking."

"About what?" he asked as he sat down beside her.

Moving quickly, she gave him her bowl of soup, knowing he was still hungry from his own. "The town we will be passing through within the week. I have someone there you should meet."

"Who?" he asked through a mouthful.

"Someone I trust. She-"

Shaking his head, Richard laid his spoon in the bowl and brought his hand to her thigh with a gentle squeeze. "She? Kahlan, does this have something to do with what you and Zedd spoke about?"

"It does, but not entirely." Pushing back his hand, she took the bowl from his left and brought it to her chest. It warmed her instantly, finding herself cold from her own words. "She will show you around while I speak with the people."

"For your duty," he whispered. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing that has not been said before. It's all right, Richard." Looking back to the fire, she watched one of the smaller twigs crackle to life. It was a well-timed distraction as she spoke a question she had been thinking about for days. "When there were two of me," she started through a whisper, "the other one, in Aydendril, she took a mate?"

Nodding, the Seeker tried to understand what she was thinking, hoping it would not bring her more pain. "She did."

"Were you relieved? Did it make it easier for you knowing that it was not you, alone, who is with someone else?"

"No," he answered sadly. The moment he learned what she had done still lingered in his mind. It was pressing image of pain. "I imagine I felt the way you felt when I told you what had happened."

"I'm sorry," she whispered in response. If it was the same feeling, she hated that someone who looked like her made him hurt so.

"Why? Kahlan it wasn't you and what she did, it's not something one should apologize for."

"Why? Richard, she hurt you."

Nodding, he gave her a sad smile and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. "I cannot fault or blame you for what she had to do. She wasn't you, she didn't know how you feel and the pain I know taking a mate would bring you. The woman who took him, she was acting under duty, not desire."

"Desire and duty are the same to a Confessor. We are bred for a single purpose."

"It's not who you are."

"Kahlan!" a woman shouted excitedly as she rushed toward them. She smiled widely and embraced the Mother Confessor. Richard watched in surprise, having never seen anyone respond to her this way. "I heard you were near! I'm so glad you've decided to come!" The woman was a head shorter than Kahlan, her hair light brown and short. She wore clothes he wouldn't expect someone in a smaller town to wear, imagining they were fit for Aydendril.

Returning the woman's hug, Kahlan smiled warmly. "Hello, Sarah. You look lovely."

Grinning, the smaller brunette gave a small curtsy, teasing the other woman with the action. "Thank you. You have been very generous." Taking her friend's hand, she beamed, "I cannot thank you enough for what you've done for us."

"It is not necessary. We will need a place to stay tonight."

"Of course, you can stay with me. There is plenty of room and I'm sure you can all use a good meal."

"That sounds wonderful!" Zedd said cheerfully, stepping forward.

Fighting a laugh, Kahlan motioned to the older man with her left hand. "This is Zedd, Cara and Richard."

"Hello! It's wonderful to meet you. Come this way and you'll have a safe place to rest."

"Sarah," Kahlan whispered, pulling her closer so their words would stay between them. "Are you- Is finding a husband still within your mind?"

"Yes, but why-"

"Perhaps you and Richard should spend the evening together. The two of you could spend time in the tavern and -"

Coming to a stop, the smaller brunette gave her friend a small smile. "I saw the way he looked at you, Kahlan. A night with me isn't going to change that."

"It might. I cannot give him the life he desires, but you can. I know you; trust you and I believe he could care for you."

"We both know caring is not how we want our man to feel towards us. He loves you, why take that away?"

"I can't hurt him and if I do not try something, I will destroy the man."

"He is important to you. I'm sorry, Kahlan. I will take him with me tonight, but I cannot promise you it will go as you would like."

"Thank you."