It was dawn the following morning. Cara was getting dressed in Dahlia's hut. The third time in a week. Cara certainly hadn't expected this when she came to Stowecroft. Dahlia and Cara had spent a very enjoyable night together. They had even managed to get some sleep. But Cara hadn't asked her yet. Part of her want to just go and leave all of this emotional turmoil behind. But she could hear Kahlan's words, "It's a hard world we live in, Cara. You don't get many chances."

Dahlia for her part was sitting on her bed, determined not to cry. She didn't want that to Cara's last memory of her. Besides there would be plenty of time to cry after Cara was gone.

"Dahlia, you're a good fighter. The Seeker and the Mother Confessor could use the services of someone like you. If you are willing to leave Stowecroft, you could come with us. We could serve them—together."

It took a few seconds for Dahlia to realize what Cara was saying. But then she jumped up and kissed Cara. She knew that this sort of sudden emotional outburst was something that Cara didn't like but Dahlia didn't care. However, she decided not to push it too far. She released Cara and went back and sat on the bed. "You can take that as a yes."

Cara fought to keep her own emotions under control. "Well, good. Is a day enough time for you to get ready?"

"An hour would be enough."

"What about your commitment to the Stowecroft Guard?"

"They've been trying to get me to resign for months, so the Guard can go back to being all men. Besides if I say that the Seeker and Mother Confessor require my services, do you think anyone here will object?" Dahlia still couldn't get over how rapidly and completely Cara could go from being passionate to being all business. As Dahlia's spirits soared, her mischievous streak returned. Dahlia got off the bed walked over and leaned into Cara. "A good fighter you say—have I shown any other talents?"

Cara couldn't resist and began to kiss her. But having confirmed that Cara's feelings were just suppressed but not absent, Dahlia pulled herself away. "You need to go; you should spend this last day with your family. Besides, now there will be plenty of time for this."

Cara got her emotions under control. "Yes, you're right. Tomorrow morning the wizard and I will stop by and pick you up."

Dahlia gave Cara another quick kiss and said, "I'll be waiting."