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At Last (Chapter 4)

Richard sat on a tree stump deep in the woods, lost in his own bewildered thoughts. He had quickly volunteered to go hunting for dinner, more than ready to escape the tension that Brey had created in their group. Even though Kahlan did not seem to sense it, it hung so thickly in the air that he swore he would suffocate from it.

Resting his elbows on his knees, he gently fingered the gift that he had bought for Kahlan before Brey's arrival. They had been passing through a large town on their way to Aydindril when he had come across it. Seeing it in the window, Richard had sent the others on ahead to the market before disappearing into the small shop. When he saw it, he immediately wanted Kahlan to have it. It had cost him nearly all that he had, but for her he would have given everything.

He had toyed with the idea of giving it to her that night, but then Brey had unexpectedly appeared and there hadn't seemed to be an appropriate time since. Brey had monopolized her from the time of his arrival, never straying far from her side except when they slept.

Sighing, Richard broodingly wrapped his fingers tightly around the precious gift, loneliness aching in his heart. He so desperately missed her even though they had been travelling together all day, his hunger for her closeness permeating his core.

"There you are!"

Richard leapt to his feet, startled by the sudden intrusion as he indulged in his conflicted emotions. He looked to find Kahlan standing a few feet away from him, worry lining her beautiful features.

"I've been looking everywhere for you." Her voice was gentle, her eyes brimming with love as well as relief as she came to stand in front of him. "You left so quickly when we started setting up camp; I was worried about you." She tenderly rested her hand on his arm as she stared into his warm brown eyes.

"I was just anxious to find something for dinner," he distractedly said, not wanting her to sense his real reason. He suddenly became very aware of her close proximity, the feel of her hand on his arm causing electricity to surge throughout his body through the thin fabric of his shirt. He wondered if she really understood what she did to him with something as simple as her touch.

Kahlan smiled softly, her eyes falling on his firmly clutched hand that he still held out in front of him. He had completely forgotten about the gift he had in his hand, Kahlan's abrupt appearance making his mind spin. He watched with rapt attention as she lightly ran her fingers down the length of his arm, coming to rest on his fist. She softly wrapped her fingers around his tightly enclosed hand, her thumb gently stroking his wrist.

"I miss you," she simply said, allowing the loneliness that she felt to permeate her words. Brey had held her captive all day, talking endlessly about old times, where he'd been since Thandor and where he was heading. She had hoped that Richard would have come to her rescue, but he had remained back with Zedd all day, likely allowing her time with her friend.

She had sensed his aloofness but had let it pass, knowing that he was likely feeling uncomfortable with Brey dominating her attention. She loved Richard all the more for allowing her this time to catch up with Brey despite his own unease, promising herself she would more than make up for it when they finally reached Aydindril. Then, she would be all his to do with as he wished. The thought caused warm desire to swim in the pit of her stomach.

The feel of her hand on his, her thumb caressing his skin caused tingles to vibrate through his body. The soft orange radiance of the setting sun pierced through the thick cover of branches, splashing a glow across her features that set his body on fire for her. He suddenly found it hard to think, difficult to even speak.

"I miss you too," he softly responded after several moments. The sounds of the birds' boisterous chirping swiftly grew distant, a soft sudden breeze that had been missing all day suddenly appeared out of nowhere causing her hair to gently whip.

"What's in your hand?" she curiously wondered aloud, turning his fist over in her hand.

"Oh…it's nothing…" he stammered, suddenly feeling embarrassed and awkward before the woman he loved more than his very life.

Noticing his unexpected nervousness, Kahlan lightheartedly pushed a little further. "Well, you act like it's something."

Taking a deep breath, Richard finally relented. He had hoped for something more romantic than this, but the glow that lit her face was stirring a deep need for her that he could no longer resist. "Turn around and close your eyes."

"Alright," Kahlan turned around, puzzled by his request. She obediently closed her eyes and waited. She sighed softly as he ran his fingers through her hair, gently gathering up the long strands in his hands and laying them over her shoulder. She felt something warm unexpectedly rest against the skin on her chest.

Carefully turning her around, Richard apprehensively said, "Ok, open your eyes."

Opening her eyes, Kahlan found herself staring into brown orbs that reflected the love that she felt in her heart. Slowly looking down, she found a stunning pendant resting against her chest, a delicate silver chain around her neck. She softly gasped in surprise as she lightly ran her fingertips over the beautiful silver symbol, mystified by the shape as tears instantly collected in her eyes.

Richard silently watched her, enjoying her innocent wonderment as she touched the graceful pendant. "It's the symbol for infinity," Richard finally told her, reaching his hand up to run a finger over the necklace that now graced her slender neck.

She looked up, tears shining in her eyes. "It's…absolutely beautiful," she softly replied, stunned by his gift. "Where did you get this?"

"The other day when we passed through Oberton. I saw it in a shop and I wanted you to have it, to have something that showed that my love for you is eternal, without end."

"Richard, I…I love it. Thank you…" she murmured, overcome with love as she continued to hold the pendant delicately between her fingertips. No one ever gave gifts to Confessors except out of tradition, duty or respect for their position of authority in the Midlands. "I've never received a gift so beautiful in my entire life."

"No one has given you anything special?" he asked in amazement. It was his turn to be stunned. It hurt him deeply to know what an isolated and lonely life Kahlan had led. She was so special and deserved so much more than what life had dealt her. He planned on spending the rest of his existence making up for what she had missed.

Kahlan gently shook her head 'no' as she looked back up at him. A tear slowly trickled down her cheek as he reached for her, pulling her to him. He placed a delicate kiss on her forehead, then to each eye before seeking the tip of her nose and finally finding her sweet lips. Kissing Kahlan was pure bliss. He felt at times he could die alone just for want of kissing her. He knew for sure that making love with her would truly be an amazing experience that he could barely wait to share with her.

"Kahlan, I'm going to make sure you are showered with the gifts and the love that you so deserve," he tenderly promised before capturing her lips again in a heated kiss. He found his body responding to hers with the burning desire that raged around them, enveloping and threatening to consume them.

"I love you with all my heart," she passionately whispered, her need to feel his touch driving her mad. "I want you, Richard…now…" she murmured seductively in his ear as he began blazing a trail of fiery kisses down her throat.

Richard released a throaty moan against her neck, causing vibrations to course hotly through her body. He nibbled and kissed along her column, pausing at her necklace to place a loving kiss there as if sealing his profession of love for her.

Kahlan ran her fingers through his hair, gripping the longer strands tightly in a desperate attempt to keep his lips on her flesh. His tongue darted out, tasting the saltiness of her skin, relishing in the flavor that was distinctly Kahlan. Her hands quickly found the opening to his shirt, her fingers gently raking over the skin and teasing his nipples.

The frenzied desire she was building in him was raging at irrepressible levels. If he didn't have her soon, he was certain he would burst. Hands began groping frantically at clothing, panting heated breath setting flesh on fire.

"Excuse me...I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Fiery passion came to an unexpected halt at the sound of Brey's intrusive voice. Richard growled angrily against her throat, his burning desire quickly turning into fuming frustration and resentment. Kahlan sighed heavily in annoyance, trying to calm her racing heart and ragged breathing.

"Yes, you are," she crossly hissed, her breath still coming out in exerted pulls for air. "What do you want, Breydan?"

"I was told to find you. Cara already returned with dinner. We'll be eating soon," he informed them, not the least bit ashamed or embarrassed for having interrupted the couple in the midst of their heated embrace.

"We'll be there shortly," Kahlan brusquely stated as she pressed her forehead to Richard's, her eyes begging for forgiveness for the intrusion.

"Alright, I'll let them know." Brey turned to leave, a pleased smile spreading broadly across his face.

"Richard, I'm so sorry," she said as she pulled away, attempting to put her jacket back into place as she tried to rein in her need for him. She would only have to hold on for another day.

"Hey, it's not your fault, Kahlan," he adamantly replied, grabbing her hands to keep her from adjusting her clothes. He pressed his lips to the palms of her hands, causing her to moan, desire still surging through her system. Releasing her hands, he lovingly refastened the clasps on her jacket, running his hands over her breasts and down her sides, longing burning in his eyes. "I'm counting down the hours until I can get you out of these clothes."

The pressure he felt from his arousal was almost unbearable as Kahlan lovingly tucked his shirt back into his pants. "Tomorrow night, Richard. It's going to be you and me behind locked doors," she informed him as she pressed her lips to his. "I hope you aren't too attached to these clothes you're wearing because I plan on tearing them off of your body."

Richard released a deep growl, desperately fighting the urge to throw her to the ground and take her right there. "I will race you to Aydindril, right now. Come on…let's go."

Kahlan laughed as she ran her hand down the length of his arm, taking his hand in hers and bringing it to her lips. She brushed a soft kiss to his hand as she began pulling him along with her back towards camp. "You know we can't abandon Cara and Zedd."

"They can find their own way. Besides, they can keep Brey occupied for me," he mumbled in abject irritation, allowing Kahlan to drag him along behind her. If Brey wasn't careful, he was going to find himself on the wrong end of Richard's sword.

"I'm going to have a little talk with Brey when we return to camp." Kahlan's eyes flashed with annoyance. Friend or no friend, she was not about to allow Brey to come between her and Richard.

XXX

"Breydan, you can't just be sneaking up on Richard and me!"

"Yah, that wasn't such a good idea, was it?" He knew that he had gone too far this time. Kahlan was using his full name. She was obviously upset with him, but her anger only added to her intense beauty.

"No! Do you know how embarrassing that was?"

"Come on, KK! It wasn't that bad!"

"Brey, I'm happy to see you again, but a lot has happened since I last you so many years ago. I'm not the same young girl that used to run around with you in Thandor. I've grown up; I'm the Mother Confessor now…and I'm in love with Richard. We're going to be married when we return to Aydindril," Kahlan informed him, her eyes still glowing with irritation at his abrupt intrusion into her and Richard's private moment. She was frustrated with want for Richard and Brey's presence was beginning to suffocate her.

"I'm very happy for you, KK," Brey responded with a silly grin. "I always knew that you would find true love regardless of your magic. It always was your secret dream even though everyone kept telling you it was impossible. Richard is a very lucky man especially if he was able to find a way around your powers."

"I love him more than anything, Brey," Kahlan firmly repeated, wanting him to completely understand where she stood as she absentmindedly touched her necklace. She may have had a crush on Brey growing up in Thandor, but that had been a lifetime ago. What she had felt for Brey at that time had been but a fleeting thought compared to the deep passionate love for Richard that resided in her heart and consumed her very being.

"I can see that; it's very obvious. I couldn't be happier for the two of you," he softly told her, watching as her fingers played with the delicate necklace that adorned her neck. "It was good spending the day with you, KK. It was just like old times. Remember how we used to sneak away and spend the whole day hiking in the hills? We'd sit up there for hours on end talking and exploring."

"Yes, I remember. Those were good times, memories that I will always cherish, but I can't be running around all day with you like we did when we were children. I'm not a little girl any more. I'm a grown woman now. It was good to catch up on old times with you today, but I can't spend every moment with you. It's not fair to Richard. I am forever grateful for your friendship. You were there for me when I needed someone the most, but I will not hurt Richard…not even for you." Kahlan released her hold on her pendant, crossing her arms across her chest, her shoulders set and her stance becoming rigid.

Her words were firm, her manner unyielding. "I know, KK. I really miss those days. Seeing you just brought all those memories flooding back. You know, I had such a crush on you then…maybe still do a little," he wistfully revealed, his eyes growing distant.

"I had a crush on you too back then. You were my first kiss. I'll never forget that," Kahlan said with a small smile, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"I remember," he said with a grin as he wiggled his eyebrows. "It was my first kiss too."

"It was wonderful and I wouldn't take that moment back for anything, but I'm in love with Richard. If you're going to be staying in Aydindril, I want you on your best behavior. You can't just pop up on a whim especially after Richard and I are married."

"How soon will you be getting married?"

"As soon as we can make all the arrangements. It'll probably take a couple of weeks at least."

"Can I walk you down the aisle? Give the beautiful bride away?"

"I don't know; I would have to talk it over with Richard." Kahlan already knew that Richard would not be thrilled with the idea of Brey walking her down the aisle at their wedding and she couldn't really blame him. She wouldn't be very happy if Anna suddenly showed up and decided to participate in their wedding.

"Well, the offer stands just the same. You hold a very special place in my heart, KK…always have, always will." Brey pulled Kahlan into a tight embrace. Noticing the Seeker watching them, he winked at him, knowing that it would only further annoy him. He quickly decided to add insult to injury as he pulled back, placing a kiss on Kahlan's cheek.

Embarrassed by his mischief, Kahlan quickly swatted him on the chest before walking back to the others. Feigning discomfort, Brey rubbed his chest as he watched Kahlan make her way to the other side of the campfire. His eyes filled with shameless lust as they roamed over her body, taking in every luscious curve.

Brey's mind began replaying that day so long ago when he kissed Kahlan. It began playing again as vividly as if it had just happened yesterday. They had been up in the hills like they had been so many times before, sitting on a rock formation that jutted out over a deep valley. The sky was brilliant shades of blues, yellows, and reds as the sun began to disappear behind the distant horizon. They had spent the entire afternoon talking and dreaming about what their futures held, the places they wanted to see and the things they wanted to do.

Kahlan had looked so pretty, the radiant colors playing on her long dark hair. He had been warned by the Sisters how dangerous Kahlan was and he knew that he shouldn't touch her, but he thought that one kiss couldn't possibly hurt. He'd had a crush on her ever since she and her sister had first arrived in Thandor. They had become fast friends, spending countless hours together day in and day out. He couldn't understand why Kahlan didn't have many friends. She'd proven to be the best friend a person could ever ask for.

Sitting up on that ridge, Brey had nervously leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. The kiss hadn't lasted but a couple of seconds, but it had been better than his fourteen year old mind could have ever expected it would. The kiss had been so sweet, her powers not even affecting him. It was the next day that he had learned that Kahlan was leaving for Aydindril to begin her training at the Confessor's Palace. It had broken his heart to have to say goodbye to her, but he had sworn that some day he would find her again.

Now, Brey had finally found her only to discover that she was in love with the Seeker and that he had miraculously found a way around her magic. This was not at all how he had dreamed their lives were going to turn out, but things would soon change. He would most definitely see to that…