The next day dawned cool and clear, the remainder of the storm long gone. Golden light filtered in through the paned windows, the birds singing a soft chorus in the trees. Within the humble cottage, a woman slept in the bed in the corner, her lover resting his head beside her, having fallen asleep kneeling on the floor. His hand remained clasped over hers, even in sleep. Kahlan was the first to awake, grateful the nightmare was over at last. A calm spread over her, the horrors of the night before nothing but a distant echo. Her heart warmed when her gaze rested on Richard, the very reason for her existence. Now the urge to protect him had much more meaning, for she would welcome death if she ever lost him. As it was, she knew he'd sacrifice himself for her just as easily. Careful not to wake him, she wriggled her hand from under his and ran her fingers through his hair, her heart melting when he moaned softly under her touch. There was no separating her from him now; the thought itself was unbearable. He stirred, at first startled by the loss of the warmth under his palm. His head snapped up, his features relaxing when he saw Kahlan, safe and sound, gazing warmly at him.
"Morning," he rasped, a bewildered smile crossing his lips. So it wasn't a dream. He had nearly lost her, but by some supernatural miracle, he had kept death at bay. By his own hand, he had saved her, the one person he couldn't bear to live without. He rose to his feet, gasping as blood finally returned to his legs. Kahlan laughed softly.
"Long night?" she asked mockingly. Slowly, he stepped to the bed, instantly serious.
"You have no idea," he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. He looked back at her, her eyes searching his.
"Everything's changed now," she stated. "We've crossed the line. Now there's no going back."
Richard only smiled. "I'm ok with that."
Kahlan's riding dress was easily mended, thanks to Celeste's skilled hands. As the sun gained height, they changed into their traveling clothes and re-assembled their horses. The couple stood on the porch to see them off.
"There's extra food in your saddlebags," she told them. "It's a long journey you're on."
Kahlan murmured an agreement as she mounted, her strength fully returned. Celeste turned to Richard, a newfound respect in her eyes.
"Good luck to you. If there's any chance our land can return to peace, it's because of you."
Surprisingly, Leo came forward and offered his hand.
"I can't deny what I've seen with my own eyes," he admitted. "May the spirits protect you."
"Thank you," Richard said as he shook the farmer's hand. "We owe much to your hospitality."
He mounted his own horse, glancing at Kahlan as he did so. She was even more beautiful than before, the morning light illuminating her dark hair.
"Take care of each other," Celeste said, noticing the glance. "The road you face will not be easy."
They looked at each other again, as if this were nothing new. Smiling secretly, they bid farewell to their hosts before galloping back into the woods.
Atop a high mountain, they took time to rest and grieve formally for those they had lost. Richard drew Kahlan close, both gazing at the endless view beyond. They had faced so much already, lost people they dearly loved, but one thing was for certain. Whatever threat lay ahead, supernatural or no, they would overcome, so long as they were together.
