forward dated to august 19

[mother_confessor]

Having a baby, it seemed, was long and thankless work. Kahlan hadn't exactly been prepared for the pain of labor but having endured other pain in her life, she endured that with as much grace as she could manage. Besides, in the end, she was rewarded with a beautiful daughter with dark hair and what looked to be big, dark eyes.

Richard had been there the entire time, even though Kahlan was certain she'd said some unspeakable things during the worst part of it, and she was finally feeling well enough to have visitors come in to see both her and the newborn.

"Well, little Cara, are you ready to receive an audience? Everyone's been waiting to see you."

Comments

[mother_confessor]

"Oh yes, please come in?" Jane was one of the people that Kahlan wanted to see most because Jane could understand just how difficult birth and having a newborn was. Besides, she was one of her closest friends on the island.

"I just can't stop looking at her. It's silly, isn't it?"

[bennet_beauty]

"I do not think it is a silly thing at all," Jane said softly, taking a chair where she could be close without intruding. "She is your firstborn, after all. Of course you should love her so very much that you cannot take your eyes off of her. How is Richard dealing with it?"

[mother_confessor]

"He's over the moon," Kahlan said, unable to keep from smiling at that no matter how tired she was.

"He wants to help with everything. Not that I expected any less, of course, but it's very satisfying that he does."

[bennet_beauty]

"Do ensure he does not forget such a thing," Jane teased, though she was sure that Richard would never abandon Kahlan in such a manner. "He does seem truly devoted to you. He is a good man in that way."

[mother_confessor]

"Very good. I am so lucky. It isn't common in my world for men to help so much with children," she explained. "So Richard is unique in that regard. I think it's a little more common on the island."

[bennet_beauty]

"I do not think I have ever heard of such a world," Jane said, though the very concept made her rather content to think of. After all, she could only imagine the help she might have had if the men of her family (her numerous relations and cousins) were there to help in a larger capacity. "And you must know that if ever you need help, I shall be there, as well."

[mother_confessor]

"As I will help you," Kahlan promised in kind. "I hope that our children will be dear friends just as we are. It's all I could hope for."

[bennet_beauty]

"When your child is ready, Cara will have three playmates with immediacy," Jane assured, given that all three of her children could always do with more friends. While Jane did not want to import all her old lessons, some were good to have and one of them being to always be open and welcoming of a group of friends was important.

[mother_confessor]

"I simply can't wait. So, tell me about what's going on with you? It is so boring to be stuck in bed and I would rather hear about everyone else," Kahlan said, smiling a bit. "Is Lydia doing better now?"

[bennet_beauty]

"She still suffers nightmares, but I do believe that her siblings will not let her falter. If nothing else, I do know that Carwood and I are there for her, perpetually," Jane insisted firmly. "We are committed to taking our time to making sure she is healthy and happy."

[mother_confessor]

"Hopefully it is something she can forget, with time. I worry about her," Kahlan admitted, shifting to soothe Cara when she fussed a little. "I am just glad she returned home to you safe and sound."