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At Last (Chapter 2)

Seeing that the stranger stood paralyzed in the wizard's web, Cara and Kahlan slowly lowered their weapons. Richard on the other hand was none too eager to lower his, still concerned about the threat to Kahlan. What did this stranger want with her?

Unexpectedly the man disappeared in a blur of bright light, momentarily blinding everyone. Just as suddenly as he had vanished, he appeared right behind Kahlan causing her to cry out in surprise as he grabbed her from behind. Richard spun on his heel, chest tightening with growing anger as he watched the man wrap his arm tightly around her.

Kahlan fought fiercely against his hold, her eyes growing dark with anger, but he was much taller and stronger than her. "Let go of me!" she growled at the cloaked man, violently kicking her feet in a futile attempt to make contact with his shins, but it was no use. He had her right where he wanted her, pinned firmly against his body, her feet dangling off the ground.

"Now, you wouldn't really want that would you, KK?" the stranger laughed deeply as he reached up, yanking his hood back as he released his hold on Kahlan, allowing her feet to drop to the ground.

"Brey?" she cried, shocked by the man's appearance. "What in Spirits are you doing here?"

"Kahlan, you know this man?" Richard heatedly questioned, taken aback by the sudden turn of events. His eyes darted incredulously from Kahlan to the stranger who was now hugging her tightly.

The towering man beside Kahlan stood at least a foot taller than her, his cloak was sleeveless revealing his large well-defined arm muscles. His handsomely bronzed face wore a grin that matched the mischievousness that sparkled in his translucent blue eyes.

"Know me? Of course KK knows me! We know each other better than just about anyone; we're just like two peas in a pod," he exclaimed indignantly as he carefully observed the Seeker, his eyes falling at last on the stunning brilliance of the sword still clutched tightly in his hands.

"Brey, you scared me half to death! What were you thinking? You could have gotten yourself killed!" Kahlan angrily scolded him as she swatted his chest, her eyes betraying her true feelings of happiness.

"I never would have let you or your friends kill me. You know that, KK."

"Kahlan, who is this?" Richard pointedly asked again, annoyance lacing his every word. He did not like this intrusion one bit and definitely not the familiarity this man shared with Kahlan.

"Brey, this is Cara, Zedd, and Richard. This is Breydan Ryland. We grew up together in Thandor before I was taken to live at the Confessor's Palace," Kahlan finally introduced, a blush beginning to color her cheeks as she realized they were all staring at her and her friend, puzzlement coloring their faces.

"Yeah, KK and I were thick as thieves, always getting into trouble we were. She was the prettiest girl in Thandor and man could she fight," he gushed as he wrapped an arm around her again, squeezing her tightly against his side. He pressed a kiss to her temple causing Richard to immediately bristle.

"Ok, first of all I still can fight and second of all, it was you who got us into trouble, not me," Kahlan laughed as memories came flooding back at the sight of her childhood friend.

Richard finally lowered his sword, placing it back in its scabbard. His glare had not lost much of its intensity, his muscles still rigid with distrust. He guardedly made his way to stand on the other side of Kahlan, trying to quell the anger that was surging up from his core. There was something about this man that he neither liked nor trusted.

"So, just what kind of trouble did you get into, 'KK'?" Richard sarcastically asked, bothered by the closeness they shared. He knew he shouldn't feel threatened by this man, but the way he had chosen to make his appearance had been a poor one at best; Kahlan could have been injured. It had been reckless and fool-hearty to say the least.

Kahlan further blushed as she moved away from Brey to stand closer to Richard. Sensing his uneasiness, she took Richard's hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. It was a bit awkward standing here with the man she was going to marry and the man who had been a childhood crush. She wondered if Richard had felt this uncomfortable when they had returned to Hartland and Anna.

"Let me see…remember the time we were covered from head to toe from playing in the mud after a thunderstorm? We got in so much trouble! Grounded from seeing each other for three days. And then there was the time we put a garden snake in Sister Lydia's bed…oh, and then there was the time…"

"Wait, you're terrified of snakes. How could you have put a snake in a Sister's bed?" Richard questioned with a faint grin, growing mildly amused hearing stories of Kahlan's youth. Although he knew her better than anyone, he didn't know much about her childhood except that she had been taken from her abusive father by the Sisters of the Light to live in Thandor for a time. He planned on spending the rest of his life rectifying that.

"It was all you! I just happened to be there at the same time!" Kahlan valiantly attempted to defend herself, laughing at the memory.

"Sounds like you were just as guilty as Brey then," Richard chuckled as he subconsciously took her hand back in his again. He loved the sound of her lilting laughter. It was like the most beautiful music to his ears. If this friend from her past brought her a measure of happiness, then he would do his best to share her company with this man.

They all moved to sit on some fallen logs as Cara began to prepare supper, Zedd settling on the other side of the fire, eyeing the Seeker. He could see the tension that permeated his every movement, his face fixed with wariness though he was trying his best to remain friendly. Zedd had a feeling that this unexpected appearance from Kahlan's past was not going to end well.

"I was innocent, I swear! I was just the look out! It was all Brey's fault for being a bad influence on me," she replied, feigning innocence. "Besides, it's Brey fault that I am so terrified of snakes!"

"Well, how was I supposed to know you would react like that?" Brey defended, immediately noticing the closeness between Richard and Kahlan as they held hands. He could easily see the passionate flow of love that surged between them, binding them together. The air fairly crackled around them with the intensity of their love.

"How did you think I would react to finding a snake in my bed?" Kahlan exclaimed indignantly. "I climbed into my bed to go to sleep when I suddenly felt something slithering up my legs."

"I could hear her screams from my room clear down the hall," Brey sputtered between fits of laughter as he held his sides, tears collecting in his eyes.

"I think my screams gave Dennee a heart attack. I have been absolutely terrified ever since then, no thanks to you."

Cara watched them as they laughed and reminisced, noticing the look of jealousy that flashed in Lord Rahl's eyes as he listened intently. She smirked to herself, knowing that this was probably eating him alive inside. It was good for him to be jealous once in a while especially with as many women that flaunted themselves at the famous Seeker everywhere they went. He never had to actually worry about any competition for Kahlan's affections because most everyone avoided contact with a Confessor. She just hoped that Richard didn't run Brey through before this was all over.

"So, you're a Bender?" Zedd interrupted as he eyed their visitor, giving him a knowing look. He didn't trust him either, but he was Kahlan's friend and he would give him the benefit of the doubt until he had more reason to worry about his mysterious sudden appearance.

"A Bender?" Richard repeated, confused as he cautiously watched Brey, alarm beginning to swell within him.

"Yes, that's why Brey was at Thandor. That's where gifted children were hidden to develop their gifts as well as to protect them," Kahlan informed them.

"What is a Bender?" Cara finally asked. She was feeling just as lost and confused as the Seeker looked.

"A Bender is someone who can bend anything with just a thought. That's how he was able to escape my wizard's web. He can manipulate time and space bending it to his will, hence the name 'Bender'," Zedd informed them as he stared at the man. "I'm surprised; there aren't very many Benders left. In fact, I had thought your race was all but extinct."

"What else can you manipulate?" Richard coolly asked, his gaze narrowing as the tiny hairs stood up on the back of his neck. Fear and suspicion began to rise as he felt his heart constrict with worry.

"It's not like that, Richard," Kahlan quickly interjected, placing a calming hand on his thigh and giving it a comforting squeeze. She could feel his aversion for Brey rolling off of him in waves. "He only uses his powers when his life is threatened. Isn't that right, Brey?"

"Yes, I never use my magic to manipulate people unless it's to save my life," he attempted to reassure them.

XXX

After talking late into the night catching up, they finally retired to their bedrolls. Kahlan had invited Brey to stay with them in their camp much to Richard's dismay. Shedding his vest and sword, he began to relax slightly as he laid down on his bedroll next to Kahlan on the far side of the campsite away from the others. Despite the mugginess, he readily took her into his arms, pulling her back to rest firmly against his chest. He was thankful for the heat; it had caused Kahlan to remove her jacket as well.

He nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling her essence. Her scent was like ambrosia to his soul, further weakening his resistance. He had to get her to Aydindril before he went mad with desire. He just hoped that Brey would be gone when they left in the morning. He didn't like the idea of him being near Kahlan any longer than he already had been.

His lips leisurely began exploring her ear, his hands stroking her abdomen. He smiled to himself when he felt her further melt into his embrace. "Two more days and then you are all mine, Mother Confessor," he murmured into her ear.

She moaned softly, a rush of need flooding her system. She didn't think she was going to last until Aydindril if he kept this up much longer. Since leaving the Pillars of Creation three days ago, they had been openly sleeping in each other's arms. If they were going to wait until Aydindril, they were at least going to enjoy the feel of each other's bodies while they slept.

"Keep it up, Cypher, and I'll be forced to take you right here," she breathed, gasping as he inched up to clutch her breasts firmly in his hands, causing her to arch her back, pressing herself into his grasp as he gently squeezed her.

"Fine with me," he whispered as he continued to stroke her, creating a steady build of desire within her despite the clothing that separated them. He could feel her heart pounding wildly in her chest beneath his hands.

Kahlan swiftly rolled over to face him, pressing her length firmly against him, evidence of his arousal pressing into her belly. She quickly found his lips, her tongue gliding over them before taking his lower lip into her mouth.

Richard sighed deeply as his hands began stroking her back, finding her backside and squeezing the firm muscles. Pulling back, he breathlessly said, "I think I need to take you into woods where we can finish this in private."

"So Cara can find us? I don't think so," she softly laughed. "Just two more days and you can have your way with me, Seeker."

Groaning, Richard captured her lips in a searing kiss, rolling his hips against hers. "I can't wait. I have it all planned out in my mind. There are going to be lit candles, roses…your bed…and oh yes, a very naked you and me."

"It sounds amazing," she murmured, brushing her nose against his. "You should know one thing though."

"What's that?"

"I'm going to take my time having my way with you too," she whispered against his lips before kissing him again. She could feel his hips involuntarily buck up against her, his swelling desire for her taking control of his body.

Reluctantly pulling out of the kiss, Richard rolled onto his back, pulling Kahlan over to lie beside him before things got so heated he'd be unable to stop himself. She rested her head on his chest, her fingers drawing lazy circles on his abdomen as he attempted to rein in his need for her. "I love you, Kahlan, more than you know."

"I love you too, Richard," she softly said, leaning up to press a sweet kiss to his chest. "Please don't feel threatened by Brey. He's just a friend from Thandor. You're the only one I have ever truly loved."

"I know, Kahlan. I just don't like to see you threatened in any way. If you trust him, then I will try my best to trust him too," he gently replied, squeezing her tighter to him.

Sleep rapidly claimed them both, exhaustion from the last several months of fighting, searching, and surviving finally catching up with them. They had been running on sheer adrenaline for so long now. It was a relief to be able to relax, to fall asleep knowing that they and the world were both safe for once.

As they drifted off to sleep, Brey laid on his bedroll on the opposite side of camp staring up at the countless stars above, lost in his own thoughts. It was so good to see Kahlan again. She was more beautiful than he remembered. The site of her when he had entered the camp had momentarily taken his breath away. He had been startled by her striking beauty.

He listened to the soft lulling sounds of the Wizard snoring as he slept several feet from him, knowing that the Mord'Sith was somewhere close by keeping watch like a hawk patrolling for her prey. He instantly knew that Cara was not someone to mess with even if he hadn't recognized her as Mord'Sith.

Before retiring to his bedroll, Brey had seen Richard lie down next to Kahlan. Thoughts of her lying in the Seeker's arms began to drift through his mind, seeing the love that shined in their eyes for each other earlier that evening. He smiled to himself as thoughts of Kahlan floated through his mind.

XXX

The sound of Kahlan's scream penetrated his deep sleep, piercing his heart and jarring him awake with a frantic start. Richard sat bolt upright to find Kahlan's bedroll empty. He quickly looked around to see Zedd still sleeping and Cara nowhere in sight. Brey was gone as well.

Richard growled deep in his throat as he immediately jumped to his feet, snatching the Sword of Truth in the process. He raced through the woods towards the sound of Kahlan's scream, strapping the sword in place and removing it from its sheath as he ran. Leaping over a fallen log, Richard cleared the woods, crashing loudly into the clearing.

Panic-stricken deep brown eyes immediately locked with enchanted blue eyes in that split second. Confusion lined his handsome features as Richard surveyed the scene before him while still fiercely gripping his sword. His breathing was ragged as he saw Kahlan with Brey, jealousy threatening to rear its furious head.

Kahlan was standing knee deep in a stream, a stake in her hand. Her other hand had the flaps of her skirt pulled up to her thighs. Her dark hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, the morning sunlight glistening off of the droplets of water that clung to her porcelain shoulders while her boots and jacket lay in a heap in the grass next to Brey's shirt and boots.

Brey stood close to Kahlan, his breeches rolled up above his knees. He too had a stake in hand, a roguish smile spread across his tanned face. Water beaded on his finely muscled chest, creating trailing rivulets.

"Richard!" Kahlan cried out with glee. Her brow suddenly creased with worry as she noticed the panicked look on his face and his sword in his hand. "What's wrong?"

"I heard you scream…I didn't know where you were…" he stammered with mild shame for overreacting as he sheathed his sword.

"I'm so sorry! Brey and I decided to fish for some breakfast. I know you've been exhausted and I wanted to let you sleep as long as possible…and then Brey splashed me with water," Kahlan flushed in embarrassment, suddenly realizing how this all must look to Richard. "I'm sorry I woke you."

"It's alright. I'm just glad you're safe." Seeing her like this in the stream made Richard's pulse race. She was so beautiful; the joy that filled her eyes permeated her whole countenance creating a radiance that enveloped her. It reminded him of the first time he had taught Kahlan how to fish so many months ago. It had been a scene much like this one. He hadn't been able to take his eyes off of her then either.

"KK is quite the fisherman here," Bren proudly added as he began to follow Kahlan toward the bank to where they had left half of their clothing.

"I know; I taught her," Richard tightly said, raking his fingers back through his hair as he made his way to the edge of the stream to wait for them.

Before they could reach the edge, Kahlan turned her ankle on a small rock in the streambed causing her to cry out and stumble. Brey caught the Confessor by the arm, keeping her from completely falling into the water. He swiftly picked her up and carried her out of the stream.

"Kahlan, are you alright?" Richard worriedly asked as he rushed to her and Brey. Pushing aside the irritation he felt for Brey holding Kahlan in his arms, Richard gently took her foot in his hand to inspect it.

"I'm fine," she muttered angrily, aggravated with herself for not being more careful. "It's just a sprain. I'm sure I can walk if Brey will just put me down."

Richard shot an icy glare at the man who held her in his arms. The sooner he left, the better Richard would feel. "Just the same, we should have Zedd look at it when we return to camp."

"I can just carry you back, KK," he eagerly offered.

"Stop you two! I'm fine! Just put me down and I'll show you," she exclaimed in exasperation.

Brey finally relented, gently setting her down on her feet. Kahlan tested her weight on her foot only to find it collapse from under her. Brey grabbed her arm before she hit the ground, sweeping her back up into his arms. "I'll take you back to camp if Richard can grab our clothes and the fish we caught."

"Brey, I…" Kahlan began as she looked up at Richard before they suddenly disappeared in a flash of blinding light.

Huffing in frustrated anger, Richard bent over and began collecting their things as well as breakfast. Images of Kahlan in Brey's strong arms, her body pressed against his bare chest only served to intensify his jealousy. Childhood friend or not, Brey was not about to take Kahlan from him.