Thanks for following along on this rocky road of a fic! Hopefully, this will start to make it all better, but I plan on really making it up to R+K soon! *wink, wink*

Forever (Chapter 11)

The door suddenly burst open, Cara and Zedd rushing into the room. "Lord Rahl!" Cara urgently called as she searched for him.

After picking their way through the debris, they finally found Richard sitting on the floor, holding his head. He slowly began getting to his feet. The room had at least stopped spinning wildly, the foggy haze beginning to clear from his mind.

"Richard, are you alright?" Zedd asked, helping him to his feet. He was shocked to see the wound on his grandson's head, but more shocked that Kahlan had been the one to inflict it.

"I'm fine," he stated through gritted teeth. "I have to get to Kahlan." Blood oozed down the side of his head and into his hair from the gash Kahlan's attack had caused, but it mattered little to him at that point. The only thing that mattered was Kahlan, keeping her safe and getting the real her back again. She was his life. If he lost her…it was too unbearable to even consider.

"Let me look at your head."

"Not now, Zedd! We don't have time for it. You two stay here. I'm going after Kahlan," he angrily ordered with a snarl as he began to make his way towards the door Kahlan had just escaped though.

"I'm going with you," Cara said as she began to follow him.

"NO!" he yelled, spinning on his heel. "I almost had her trust, but she panicked when she heard you at the door. That's why she hit me. She was frightened, thought that I was against her like everyone else. Let me try talking to her again. I know I can get through to her."

"Richard, you may need our help. We'll follow you, but we'll stay out of sight," Zedd suggested, concerned about how dangerous things had turned.

Staring at them both for a moment, Richard finally answered. "Fine, but don't interfere even if Kahlan tries to hurt me again. You only step in if she tries to harm herself. If I can't get through to her then Zedd can trap her in a Wizard's web."

"But, Lord Rahl…"

"I mean it, Cara! I don't care what she does to me as long as she's safe. Nothing matters to me but her…not even my own life."

Cara slowly nodded her agreement, the hardened resolve and anger in his eyes causing something to rise up inside of her that she hadn't experienced in a very long time. It was shame.

XXX

She was frantically running again just like in her nightmares except this time there were no corridors, no walls to collide with, no darkness to limit her vision. This time she was awake, running through her private sanctuary in the bright afternoon sun.

Her heart was racing, her chest heaving, her dagger still clutched fiercely in her hand. Her skirt tangled between her legs causing her to trip and fall, hitting the ground hard and knocking the wind out of her lungs. She quickly jumped up and began running again, casting a panicked glance over her shoulder. Sweat mingled with the remnants of her tears that tracked down her face. She stumbled through bushes, thorns tearing at her dress and scratching her skin.

She had loved him with all her heart, had given herself to him and he had betrayed her just like everyone else had. She was not crazy like everyone believed her to be. She knew full well what she was doing. She was the Mother Confessor and she was going to end this madness once and for all. Because if she didn't have Richard, she didn't want to live.

"Kahlan…"

"No, leave me alone…" she angrily cried, her eyes darting frantically about her, searching for the unseen person who spoke to her in her mind.

"Richard can't help you…he doesn't even believe you. How can he possibly love you?"

Breaking through a thick hedge, Kahlan fled to the only place she felt safe at that moment. Reaching the tree, Kahlan fell to her knees, her body shaking with her anguish. She couldn't fight it any longer, fight the voices, the pull of madness and the anguish of betrayal. Her heart was so broken she couldn't bear the pain anymore or the manic storm that swirled in her mind.

Weeping, Kahlan looked down at the dagger still clutched in her hand and she knew what she had to do.

XXX

Richard rushed through the door and out into the Confessor's Garden. He had to find Kahlan before she did what he knew she was committed to doing. He had been so close to regaining her trust, to finally getting that damned weapon out of her hand. He just prayed he would be able to find her before it was too late.

His head throbbed in harmony with the pounding of his boots on the stone path, but it was insignificant compared to the intense ache that had seized his heart. He didn't want to hurt her, but if that's what it came down to in order to save her life then he would be forced to do it.

Running past shrubs and bushes, dodging stone benches and marble statues, he raced to get to her in time. He could hear Cara and Zedd's boots following behind him. He could tell they were keeping their distance, though. He just hoped that they would listen to him and not interfere unless it was necessary to save Kahlan's life. He didn't want them frightening her again, forcing her into a corner that she felt she couldn't escape. He wouldn't be able to watch her take her own life.

He knew deep down that it hadn't been Cara and Zedd's fault. They were only trying to get in to help him and save Kahlan. If they just would have been five minutes later, he wouldn't be in the situation he found himself in now, searching for his lover, praying that she wouldn't be dead when he finally got to her. She would be safe right now if they hadn't interfered, Zedd tending to her and hopefully taking away whatever deadly magic had gripped her mind.

Spotting her from a distance, Richard was relieved to see that Kahlan was still alive. Seeing her kneeling beneath that tree, he felt as if time had suddenly slammed to a stop, everything around him seeming to come to a standstill as he watched Kahlan lift the dagger to her chest, her head bowed in resignation of her fate.

Richard couldn't move fast enough; he wouldn't be able to reach her in time, stop her from harming herself. He tried to yell for her to stop, but he couldn't find his voice, couldn't make his mouth work. His legs burned as he pushed himself faster and faster. Panting for air, his heart thundered in his chest with the thought of his beloved dying in his arms. He'd never be able to survive if that happened. He watched in shock as the dagger that she had pointed menacingly at her heart slowly lowered, her head tilting back as he eyes suddenly became fixed on the tree.

With trembling hands, Kahlan brought the tip of the dagger closer to her heart, her fingers wrapped so tightly around the hilt that her knuckles her white. Tears were streaming down her face, her breath coming out in hiccoughing gasps with the acceptance of what she had to do to end this. She didn't want to die but she didn't want to live without Richard or his love for her. She also couldn't live with the thoughts that tormented her mind or the voices that haunted her every thought.

Casting one last glance at the tree that she had come to love, Kahlan's eyes locked on the trunk, spotting something that hadn't been there last night. It had caught her attention just seconds before doing the unthinkable. She unconsciously lowered the weapon in her hands, her gaze narrowing on the tree before her, completely spellbound by what she hadn't noticed before.

Kahlan slowly got to her feet and stepped closer to the tree, her hand still holding her dagger. What she saw there was like a bright ray of hope that seemed to pierce the very darkness of her mind, breaking through the thick murky haze and reaching past the hopelessness and fear that clouded her heart.

Tears trickled down, following the delicate curves of her face and falling to the ground as she stared in amazement at the large "K.A." and "R.C." that was now forever carved into the flesh of the tree trunk. She raised her hand, her fingers delicately tracing over the deep curving grooves of their initials engraved side by side. Below their initials, the word "forever" was carved into the trunk for everyone who passed by their tree to see, to witness that their love was eternal.

Kahlan barely noticed the strong hand that gently pulled the dagger from her grasp. Richard released a sigh of relief as he tossed the knife safely away from Kahlan. He kept his hand on hers, holding it tightly in his grasp. He never wanted to let her go of her ever again. He'd come too close to losing her and his heart all together again.

She looked down at the hand holding hers, his fingers entwined around hers, connecting him to her. Her gazed followed his hand up his arm until she found herself staring into the dark brown eyes that stole her breath as well as her heart. What she saw in those eyes made gooseflesh appear on her arms. The warmth and love that permeated that dark gaze broke through the tempest in her heart and mind, creating a calm center in the midst of the firestorm that consumed her. It was like the sun bursting forth and parting the dark angry storm clouds.

Holding his breath, Richard slowly raised his hand to her face, praying that she wouldn't try to pull away or fight to escape his hold on her. His eyes locked on her as if she was the only other person in the entire world. At that moment, no one else existed except for the two of them. His fingers gently brushed disheveled strands of hair from her forehead before lightly caressing her skin and following along the curve of her jaw.

Kahlan softly gasped at the feel of his touch on her face, the passionate love that swam in his eyes filling her with an overwhelming sense of peace. Her heart was hammering in her chest as he released her hand and put it in the pocket of his breeches. Withdrawing his hand, Kahlan watched as Richard brought a silver chain out of his pocket and held it up for her to see.

Stunned, Kahlan stared in disbelief at the pendant that swung gracefully from his outstretched fingers. It was her pendant, the necklace that Richard had given to her that night in the forest when she had found him sitting all alone. Memories came flooding back to her, all the love that she and Richard had shared, all the times that they had risked their lives for each other, the sacrifices they'd made for one another, how his love was stronger than her powerful magic as well as the passion they had created and shared.

Richard watched as she stood transfixed, staring intently at the infinity pendant that he had given to her symbolizing his eternal love for her, her eyes beginning to regain some of that brightness that he loved. Brey had torn the gift from her neck when he had kidnapped her, discarding it on the floor of their suite.

Richard had found it, broken and lying forgotten. He'd picked it up, holding onto it while he had been looking for Kahlan, searching for a way to rescue her. It had provided him a small measure of comfort while he had been separated from her. When despair had threatened to steal his sanity, he had reached into his pocket, his fingers caressing that pendant and he would strength once more.

Once he had gotten Kahlan back, Richard had given it to Edmond to have it fixed. He was planning on giving it to her again on their wedding day, but now, it just seemed the perfect moment to remind her that his love was infinite, that he would never leave her no matter what occurred. He would always be there for her, taking care of her, loving her.

Bewildered, Kahlan warily brushed her fingers against the smooth silver pendant, watching it as it dangled so delicately from his outstretched hand. Withdrawing the pendant from her touch, Richard unclasped the chain. Carefully reaching behind her, he fastened the necklace around her throat.

Kahlan never flinched, allowing him to place the chain around her neck. She looked down at the beautiful pendant lying against her flesh, the silver catching the sunlight that cut through the branches and leaves above them. Her mind was a wild tempest of emotions, desperately fighting against the love that she saw reflected in his eyes, attempting to drag her back down into the mire. Somehow, though, his love was keeping her grounded.

Richard stared at the pendant lying so gracefully against her skin, her chest rising and falling with each ragged breath she drew. His gaze travelled up the delicate column of her neck, taking in the tracks of her tears that stained her pale cheeks. She looked so conflicted, the battle being waged between her heart and her mind clearly evident in her face. He could see that he was finally getting through to her, finally gaining her trust once more, helping her to remember their love for one another.

Looking up, Kahlan gazed into his eyes that were filling with tears. She instinctively reached out to him, caressing his face. Closing his eyes, he leaned into the palm of her hand as she stroked his face, relishing in the feel of her touch once more as tears slipped past his eyelashes and rolled down his cheeks. Only she could ever heal his broken heart.

Her eyes roamed over his face, finally settling on the deep gash on his forehead, the trail of blood that colored the side of his head. Her breath caught in her chest, horrified by what she had done to the man that she loved. Trembling fingers grazed along the gash, fresh tears pooling in her eyes.

Panic flared in his heart as he opened his eyes and saw the turmoil spiraling out of control once more in his lover. He was losing her again, losing her to the chaos that was wreaking havoc on her mind. He immediately grasped her face in his hands, desperate to draw her back to him.

"Kahlan, stay with me…I'm right here…we'll get through this together. Fight to stay with me, Kahlan!"

"But, I hurt you…again…" she wailed, her hand flying up to cover her mouth as her eyes drifted to the marks on his neck, reminding her of the pain she had inflicted upon his yesterday.

"How could you hurt the man that you love?"

"I…I didn't mean to…I'm sorry…"

"How could he ever love you after what you did to him?

Kahlan immediately clapped her hands tightly over her ears, desperate to stop the voice that tormented her.

"Kahlan, I'm fine. It's you that I'm worried about."

"I am losing my mind…I hurt the man that I love with all my heart…I am crazy…" she began shaking her head back and forth, her chest heaving with renewed panic as her knees became weak with the weight of her grief. Her eyes grew wide with horror as she felt that swirling eddy grabbing hold of her, attempting to pull her back down into its hopeless depths. Sharp pains like thunder struck in her head, causing her to cry out in pain.

Seeing her begin to slump, Richard immediately grabbed hold of her shoulders and lowered her to the blanket. He pulled her into his arms and held her to him as she sobbed. She clutched at his shirt, the pain that possessed her threatening to take her away forever.

"Please make it stop…just make it stop!"

Richard held her to him, rubbing her back and whispering his love into her hair, so relieved to have her safely in his arms again. However, panic renewed its hold on him as he felt Kahlan go limp in his arms.

Suddenly pulling back, he found her unresponsive, her face so pale, her breathing erratic. "Zedd!" Richard frantically shouted as he gently laid her on the blanket all the while still keeping a hold on her.

Richard looked into the face of his grandfather as he abruptly appeared, falling to his knees on the other side of the Mother Confessor. He quickly set to work examining her, searching for the cause of her insanity.

Filled with guilt, Cara came to stand behind Richard, her brow furrowed in concern for her friend. It was her fault that they were even out here. If she hadn't pounded on the door and called for Lord Rahl, Kahlan would be safe inside the Palace. Cara felt her throat tighten with an unexpected flood of emotion. Turning her gaze away from her friend who now fought for her life, her eyes settled on the initials carved into the tree. The initials stared back at her, reminding her of what she may have cost them.

She was pulled from her bitter thoughts by the sound of Zedd mumbling something under his breath. She watched as the old Wizard's hands began to hover over Kahlan's head, his fingers beginning to faintly glow with the powerful magic that coursed through his blood.

Sighing deeply, Zedd sat back on his heels. Finally opening his eyes, he looked at Richard, sadness filling his voice. "Kahlan was under the control of a very powerful magic. I don't know how she was able to fight for as long as she did. She is truly a remarkably powerful woman."

"What kind of magic?" Richard asked, fear still holding him captive. He already knew that Kahlan was a remarkable woman…and she was all his.

"It was a combination of the magic of the Ta'all Ruk'tan and Brey's magic. It must have seeped into her mind when she confessed Brey."

"Why didn't we notice anything right after she confessed him?" Cara interjected as she watched her friend. She appeared to be resting peacefully now, no longer tormented by the vile magic that had possessed her.

"It may have been because Kahlan's own magic slowed its affects. It's hard to say."

"Will she be alright now?" Richard asked, his eyes never leaving her face.

"I've contained the magic and pulled it from her mind. She should be fine now, but we won't know for certain if the magic caused any permanent damage until she wakes. Rest is what she needs now more than anything. I've induced a sleeping spell. We'll have to wait until morning to see if there are any lingering effects."

Richard barely registered anything else that Zedd had said after he told him that she should be fine now. That was all he wanted right now, for her to alright. He needed her as much as he required oxygen to breathe because the best part of him would always be her…