A/N: Thanks for the lovely reviews! (And the brilliant song recommendation Elfine...that song was pretty much on repeat while I wrote the majority of this so keep them coming!) And now I give you the first chapter of many that will serve to both answer questions and give you more about Cian, the Shi'ran and the Duke! Please enjoy and review!

C.V

Chapter 10- Legacy

It was clear that Cian was angry with me, and I cursed my poor luck. It had seemed as though I had begun to mend the mistrust that he had for me, and now that this new Stone Dweller had appeared all of the trust I'd gained with him had plummeted. Using his enormous head to push me forward, he urged me to go with him, though it was clear I had no choice in the matter.

We walked away from the bonfires and back towards his cave where I assume he felt that he would be given privacy enough to interrogate me. I was afraid, since regardless of what questions he asked of me I wouldn't have the right answers. I had no idea who was in the woods, and it was a possibility that this new man's presence could simply have been a coincidence. Still, I had an uncomfortable feeling that it wasn't, and I'd be held entirely responsible for the situation.

If he could have, I was sure that he would have dragged me inside after him. As it was, I decided it would probably be for the best if this once, I didn't give him any argument. Stepping into a dark cave didn't seem to be the brightest idea, especially since I was fairly certain that if he had any intentions of doing away with me, getting me alone in a place like that would make it awfully easy for him. I seriously hoped that getting rid of me wasn't part of his plan, but I also figured that he would do anything to protect his people if he deemed it necessary.

But as soon as I saw what was inside the cave my heart was immediately put at ease. It wasn't a dank, dark place as I'd imagined it would be. The walls were alight, like there were hundreds of tiny stars scattered across their surface. It was roomier than I had thought as well, and a small pool in the corner reflected the light making the whole place shine. But the most beautiful thing of all were the roses.

I had no idea how he'd managed to grow them inside a cave until I looked above me, and saw that part of the cave roof was an opening that would allow sunlight to shine through during the daytime. Now, the glowing walls envied the stars above and the sight got me to thinking about the night before, when I had spoken with the lion. As rash as ever, I decided to voice my opinions, regardless of the consequences.

"When we spoke last night, you told me the pasture was the only place you could see the stars. But I think you've a far better view of them from here. Why did you really go there?" I asked despite the fact that I really should have kept quiet given my situation.

"Because I didn't trust you, and just when I thought perhaps you weren't like all the other Stone Dwellers, I was proven wrong again," he said angrily.

"But I didn't do anything wrong! I told you, I have no idea who's in the wilds and I never led them here. No matter what you think I had nothing to do with this, and I haven't done anything since I got here to suggest that I mean you or your people any harm. To be honest, I don't think the Stone Dweller in the forest means to hurt your people either. Nobody in Mortar even knows you exist!" I protested, frustrated at the fact that I was beginning to think that the two of us would never find common ground.

"You really don't know anything do you?" he scoffed the question so forcefully that it was clear he meant it as an insult.

"Maybe not, but I'm willing to at least learn, unlike you. You need to stop being so stubborn and temperamental. Perhaps it would be wise to stop and think before flying off the handle!"

"Perhaps it would be wise if you followed your own advice, or does your adventure from yesterday elude your memory?" Of course, he would bring that up to rub in my face now.

If only to escape his sharp gaze, I moved away from him towards the cave wall in order to rest against it. I was exhausted from arguing already and there was no end to it in sight. Yet as I reached to place my hand against the wall, the small, glowing specks of light burst into motion around me, flying this way and that until I could barely keep track of them with my eyes any longer. I could feel the tension that had built up in my heart release as I watched, entranced while the little lights circled around me to bathe me in a yellow glow. I let out a little gasp of pleasure as I spun about, trying my best to catch one in my hands to no avail. It was a moment before I felt Cian's eyes on me, their blue light just as bright as the yellow in the dark.

I spun around to face him, only to notice that his expression had softened a little, and I wondered if the little lights had entranced him too.

"What are they?" I asked as they continued to hover around the cave, my rage at his previous comment temporarily forgotten.

"Fireflies. They seem to like it in here, and no matter what I do I can't seem to get rid of them,"

"I don't see why you'd want to. They're beautiful- your whole home is. That could be why I find it difficult to understand how you treat me as you do. It's clear you have a respect for living things, you love your people, these fireflies and just look at your roses! You must have tended to them faithfully for them to have grown so strong. So why is it that you would let a Stone Dweller, who has never done you any harm, remain lost and alone in the middle of the wilds at night?"

I could personally attest to how frightening that situation was, and I wouldn't wish it on anybody.

"I am telling the truth when I say I have no idea who would be foolish enough to enter the wilds, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't do everything in my power to help anyone in that situation. Why do you hate us so much that you wouldn't do the same?"

Cian walked up to one of the rose bushes, resting his nose on one of the larger blossoms. I could practically see my words rushing through his head, and I almost thought he looked ashamed at his behavior. My words had been harsh, that was true, but I didn't feel guilty about them. Someone had to show the stubborn beast the error of his ways, and it was clear that the task fell to me, since I doubted any of the Shi'ran would attempt to do so- even Rhymka or Ouen. It wasn't as if I couldn't comprehend how deep their scars were- scars that my people had created long ago. Yet the actions of my ancestors hadn't defined me. Perhaps it had shaped some, but I had always been unique in Mortar, never able to be grouped in with women like my sisters- whom I loved dearly but could not relate to.

"My reasons for hating are my own. Still, you are right. I cannot leave him at the mercy of the wilds. But hear this Briar, he owes his life to you, and should he harm my people, you must also pay a price," Cian said gruffly, heading back outside of the cave again.

"Stay here, and stay out of trouble. I have no intention of rescuing you too, and I'll need you here to set this stranger's mind at ease," he finished, turning his head back to face me. I simply nodded. I couldn't be angry at him now, not when he was doing what I'd wanted him to do in the first place. It seemed like he planned on believing me for the moment, and I had no intention of doing anything to change that.

I was treading on a narrow rope, just like the ones the circus entertainers in Mortar used, and if I lost my footing with him even for an instant, I had a feeling we would be arguing again.

I was on edge while he was gone, though for what I wasn't certain. Cian was extremely confident about his success in the wilds, as if he had no fear. Yet I was unsure if his attitude was courageous or foolhardy. I knew I'd seen too little of the place to truly comprehend all of the dangers it held, but I'd discovered enough to be wary.

Perhaps it was a little silly to be worried about a beast that was just as fearsome as whatever dangers lurked in the wilds, and maybe I should have been more concerned about the Stone Dweller. Still, if anything happened to Cian because I made him feel guilty enough to go into the wilds at night, I would only have myself to blame.

I paced inside the cave, amusing myself with the fireflies that hovered around me. It was as if the tiny creatures were trying to comfort me in their own small way.

It would have been almost impossible for me not to notice when Cian returned. The loud shouting from the Stone Dweller who he'd brought back with him echoed through the trees and pierced through the sounds of the forest at night.

"Let go of me you monster!" The voice insisted as it drew close enough for me to make out the words being spoken. I could only imagine how angry Cian was, and as he entered the cave I winced a little in anticipation of being yelled at.

He held the man in his mouth as if he was a child, and at first I was worried that he'd bitten into his flesh in order to carry him. But when he dropped the man on the ground, I noticed only clothing had been pierced and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Even though he lay splayed out on the ground in an odd position, I realized that I recognized the man, and as he stumbled to get to his feet in a fit of indignant rage, my eyes widened in shock to recognize that it was Leto. He didn't notice me at first, since he was so fixated on Cian's presence that he could barely move. I wondered if he thought he was going to be eaten, and the idea made me laugh a little when only a day ago I probably would have agreed with him.

I couldn't believe that my attitude towards him had changed so much in so little time, and although he still set me on edge, I was still fairly positive that I wasn't going to be eaten anytime soon.

My laughter seemed to alarm the Duke's son, and he spun around, probably afraid I was another monster ready to devour him.

When he saw who I was, he looked stunned, and then a little relieved.

"Briar! Is it really you? Has this beast taken you prisoner too? Don't worry, I'll try to get us out of this somehow!" It was really sort of sweet how he was trying to look out for me, despite the fact that I was pretty certain if Cian had wanted to keep us prisoner there was nothing that poor Leto could do to stop him. Still, I was impressed by his bravery and couldn't help but walk towards him with a smile.

Cian had retreated to grumbling in the corner by the small pool. It was clear he was aggravated and was waiting for me to diffuse the situation before approaching us again. As soon as I felt he was relaxed enough to listen, I tried to help Leto relax.

"You needn't be worried, Cian over there may look like a brute, and he may even act like one sometimes, but he means you no harm." I could hear the aforementioned brute huff in indignation from his position in the corner, but at least he had sense enough not to argue with me in front of our guest. Leto managed the courage to look over at him for the briefest of moments, as if attempting to learn if I was telling the truth about the lion or not. After a moment, it appeared that he decided I must be right, and I could see him visibly relax.

"But tell me, why have you come here? Your father will be furious when he finds out you've left! Besides, I was certain my father would have told you all what happened to me."

Leto looked a little confused, and ran a muddied hand through his hair, the dirt making it stick up oddly.

"I thought I would be saving you and your father both Briar. He never returned to Mortar, your sisters were sick with worry for you and I couldn't stand it any longer, so I left the same way you did."

"You mean to tell me my father hasn't returned?" I asked again, now the confused one myself. But when Leto confirmed again what he had just told me, that confusion turned to rage. I spun around so quickly even the lion wasn't prepared for it, and in less than a heartbeat's time I had practically pounced on him.

"You told me my father would be safe- that if I stayed here you would make sure that he returned to Mortar safely! Where is he? Where are you hiding him!" I shouted, pounding against his back with all of my might. He growled angrily, using an enormous paw to pluck me from him as if I were nothing more than an insignificant pest.

Blue eyes baring down on mine he held my gaze so I would not look away.

"Before you start acting like an impetuous child you should think. Did I not send Rhymka to escort him back safely? And she assured me all was well. Forgive me if I trust her word over that of this stranger, whom you so clearly admire."

"What reason would I have to mistrust the son of the Duke? He has been nothing but kind to me, he even helped me escape Mortar to find my father and has come himself to rescue me. Why would he lie now?"

Cian's rage increased even more, but not for the reason I would have thought. It was no longer the fact that I doubted his honesty which made him angry- it was the mention of Leto's identity. If he thought that fact had escaped me it hadn't, and he turned his ire on Leto now instead. His anger turned cold, and with an icy tone, he addressed the Duke's son with mock reverence.

"So you are Leto then. A pleasure to meet you at last my Lord. I'm pleased that you have finally made a trip to visit your family's legacy."

"Cian? What in Stone's name are you talking about?" I demanded.

"Rhymka didn't tell you that it was the Duke's family who drove magic out of Mortar so long ago? It is because of them that the Shi'ran are trapped here at the mercy of the wilds."

Even Leto looked surprised at this new development. It was evident he had no idea what Cian was talking about, and the beast knew it too. He moved closer to Leto, pinning him against the cave wall with one, great paw on either side of his head.

"So your father hasn't told you yet I see. How fortunate for you, to have been spared from the curse of your family. But if you didn't know about us, then why did you come here?" He snarled.

"To save Briar. It was my fault she left Mortar in the first place, so it was my responsibility to rescue her. I see now that it wasn't a mistake. She's not fine here with you after all," Leto answered bravely, though terror was still written on his handsome face. Cian's head turned to look at me, his narrow eyes seemed to search for something hidden on my face, and whatever it was it was clear he'd found it.

He released Leto and pushed him towards me with his head, his anger somehow washed away. It wasn't the first time that I wished I could understand what it was he was thinking, since his moods changed more frequently than the shape of the moon in the sky.

"Take him to the cottage your father was staying in. I have business to discuss, I will call for you both in the morning. You may stay in the cottage tonight as well Briar. It's going to rain, and that will be water enough for your rose." He rushed out of the cave, leaving the two of us behind. Linking Leto's arm in mine, since I doubted he'd be able to walk on his own, I led him to the small cottage I'd met my father in.

Once inside, he sat on the bed, clearly exhausted.

"You'll want to rest now I'm sure," I said kindly, handing him some blankets.

"I need rest, that's for certain. But I'm not sure I could if I tried. That monster's words were all riddles and rhymes. Stone curse me, but I've no idea what he was saying to me,especially since I was so focused on his teeth I couldn't listen." I sat next to him then, and put my hand in his.

"It's true that I don't always understand him, but if what he said about your family was true, then I could understand why he would dislike you- whether it's fair or not," I said, and then after a deep breath I told him what Rhymka had shared with me- the story of how her people came to live in the wilds. When I'd finished, Leto was uncertain of what to say, and I couldn't blame him. There wasn't really much he could say if he wanted to. Should he offer the Shi'ran some sort of apology? But as he wasn't the aggressor and knew nothing about their history it would mean very little to them I was sure.

I told Leto to sleep, and although I was tired myself Cian's behavior was nagging at my mind. It didn't make sense, and I was positive that there was something he wasn't telling me.

Making sure to be very quiet as I slipped outside, I shut the cottage door and crept towards Cian's cave. I wondered if he would even be inside, since he had mentioned business before. Tentatively, I peaked around the cave wall, and in the glowing of the firefly light I saw him, draped over the cave pool, and if I wouldn't have known any better I would have thought he was weeping. I felt that I was violating his privacy by remaining silent, but I couldn't pull myself away from that scene. It made my heart twist inside of me until I couldn't bare to let him cry alone any longer.

Perhaps he'd noticed my approach, or perhaps not. But he didn't acknowledge me, even as I sat against him and ran my hands through his mane in an attempt to be comforting. I wondered how many times he put on a brave or angry face to hide what he was truly feeling, and in that instant I felt that I had learned more about him than I had since I'd arrived. He was far more vulnerable than he wished anyone to know.

We sat that way for a long time, until I began to hear the pitter patter of gentle raindrops on the roof of the cave. Some trickled through the hole in the roof and inside the cave, causing the fireflies to flicker around in order to avoid the drops.

Eventually, he spoke, the words pained and short.

"I did not lie about your father."

"I know that. But the thought that you had made it easier for me to imagine what had happened to him. I'm sorry I yelled at you, but where is he Cian? I've saved him once, only to loose him again." I had admitted that the Shi'ran were ignorant of my father's whereabouts a long time ago. I'd even known it when I'd hit the lion earlier and now I felt guilty for acting so irrational.

Finally moving, Cian sat in a more upright position, forcing me to move along with him in order to remain comfortable.

"Tell me Briar, what do you know of the Duke of Grimsworth?" He asked suddenly.

"Not wholly much, though he's led Mortar for years. For the few months my father was in the wilds my sisters and I were guests of his house. He spoke to me about my research a little, and seemed genuinely interested in it, which is more than I can say for most of the nobles I've met."

"And what of his son? Has he shown interest in the wilds as well?"

"Not particularily. He seemed to imply when we first met that his father's interests were not his own, granted he was also attempting to charm me at the time. But regardless of what you think I am certain that Leto is a good person. He wouldn't have come to help me if he wasn't. When he helped me leave, he told me that he was under the impression that his father knew something about the wilds that he didn't want anyone else to find out and that thought disturbed him."

"That is certainly true. If even you, who was well researched before entering the wilds, had no idea about the Shi'ran before coming here, then I assume our presence has been kept a closely guarded secret. I thought Leto would have been told about us by now. Does he have a wife? A fiancee?

"No, nothing I've heard of,"

"Ah I see, perhaps the Duke is biding his time to share the secret. Maybe he doesn't trust his son with it yet, probably because he's too goodhearted to follow in his ancestors' footsteps. Serves the old man right." Cian began to mumble more things that I didn't quite understand, until finally I urged him to stop.

"I know we haven't seen eye to eye since I've arrived Cian, but I've too much at stake now to be kept in the dark about what you may know. Do you think the Duke has my father? Why would he take him?" I pleaded with him, though it was clear he didn't want to answer me I planned on being so persistent that he wouldn't have a choice in the matter. Thankfully I didn't have to beg for long. I felt that whatever Cian was hiding had been weighing on him for so long that it would have been a blessed relief to share it.

"The day Leto was born was the day my life ended," he said with a soft rumble. Although I didn't quite understand, I didn't want to interrupt his telling so I remained silent.

"The minute he cried out the first time my curse began. My humanity was lost and I was thrown to the wilds, left to die. I would be dead now if it weren't for Rhymka's mother. And I know it is hardly Leto's fault, but I can't help but resent him for being born. As soon as I learned who he was I realized that I wished he was left to fend for himself the same way I was and I regretted saving him. Don't you think that's monstrous of me?"

"Yes, I do," I answered honestly, making his already depressed face fall even more than it already had. "But," I added, "I don't blame you for it." I put my hand on the top of his paw, wondering if it would have the same effect as a comforting hand on a shoulder.

"You see, Briar, the worst of it is that my greatest enemy, and the one that desires to see me and every Shi'ran destroyed is my own father. Your Duke is not capable of loving anyone or anything. He can throw his own son to the wilds to die, and won't hesitate to do it again."

"What are you saying?" I asked, getting the distinct impression he wasn't talking about Leto anymore.

"Leto is my younger brother. I was the first son of the Duke of Mortar, and he doesn't wish for anyone to learn about it. That is why I fear for your father, and now why I must fear for my brother and for you."