Hello all. This is my second chapter to Heart of Roses! Which I a truly glad to say. I'm hoping I can update this story whenever I can to make those who read this happy. My first reviewers KnightMaiden and Wild-vixen. When I logged on to my Internet and saw that you both reviewed, I literally jumped off the walls in my room. I was so happy that you both enjoyed this story (as I hope everyone else is.) Then I saw that the first chapter had about 64 hits! I smiled like there was no tomorrow. So thank you those who read and I'll try my best not to let you down. So please read and review, It makes me WANT to update quicker. Thanks again.

Disclaimer- I own nothing, except my characters. In this story, Merlin has a brother, which is the way I want it, so if it is my fanfiction I can do that! I will also be excepting no flames. This is for fun!

This story is dedicated to KnightMaiden and Wild-vixen, since they made me feel extra special.

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Anna let Tabitha lead her towards the village. She hated when Sera randomly disappeared, often for days at a time and at the moment, that was what Sera was exactly doing. They came to the edge of the woods to see some of the villagers standing, waiting for the three to come back. Anna moved closer to Tabitha as the girl let go of her hand. Tabitha looked over to Anna, who was next to her. She shook her head and rolled her eyes as the girl's father came over.

"Anna and Kaye!" he yelled, face red. "I thought we talked of this?" he asked, voice lowering as many began to stare. Anna stepped back some as Kaye also glared at her. When the father got no answer he turned around and marched off to the house calling behind him, "Follow me children!" Kaye set off quickly behind his father as Anna lingered behind more slowly.

When inside the hut, Anna entered to see her mother on a cot, staring in dissaprovement. Next to her was the father mumbling under his breath. Kaye stared out of the small circle window playing with a stick. Anna walked over to her father and let out slowly, "I am sorry father. Kaye only wished to protect me..." Her father looked up, eyes softening as he looked at his only daughter. He pulled her into a hug and whispered, "I know, Ann, I know..."

Kaye huffed. "That's it?" he asked, clear anger in his voice. "She is just forgiven?" he asked, looking like he didn't believe what he heard or saw. His father shook his head and let go of Anna. "Dear boy...our meaning in life is to forgive." Kaye mumbled under his breath but nodded all the same. The mother looked out the window behind Kaye and laid on the cot and told them, "Now, it is time for sleep." They followed her into their own beds.

Anna closed her eyes, secretly still wondering about Sera.

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Sera Hadeen watched Merkyn sleep, amazed that he could sleep so peacefully when he too was away from his home. She was from a land far away. Where everyone was a warrior and there was one king that ruled all and everyone was loyal. She missed the hot grains that were the ground, the brown of her home. Where she was now, green plains with no boundaries was what many would call freedom and it was freedom to her, but she would much rather be home, learning from her people, the home which she loved.

"You shouldn't ponder on the past." A voice came form next to her. She averted her eyes to Merkyn. Shifting under the covers she pulled them over her body some more. Sarmatia was beautiful, but it was also cold. "Merkyn, tell me of your home.." she asked, her voice dull, showing no emotion. She heard the old man huff, but he went on to tell her all the same.

"My home, is called Briton. It is to the far west and is beheld by the Roman Empire. My people, are native and known as savages. They are great warriors; we paint ourselves blue to show to our gods and people, that we will win our freedom." His voice was full of love, which made Sera envy him.

"Why did you leave?" she asked, curious as to why he left his people. He old man turned his back to her and said in a tired voice, "An eastward wind called me here...to you." he told her, his voice becoming low. Sera nodded her head, looking down at her silver tattoos. Merkyn's people, sounded much like her own. Before she could do anything, even think, she was fast asleep, dreaming of her home.

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The next day...

Anna woke up to see Sera sitting across from her. She rose an eyebrow at her friend, who was examining her. "Am I that interesting?" she asked Sera, moving her mob of hair out of her face. Sera smiled. Anna always made her smile. The young girl (not that young now!" and Merkyn were the only ones that could make her smile, besides Kaye.

"Where is Kaye?" asked Sera looking around the hut. Anna looked around too, no sight of her brother in the hut. A person from outside entered, it was Tabitha. Hearing their conversation from outside she informed, "Kaye and Robins as the rest of those to be knights are at a village meeting." She sat next to Anna on the bed, trying to avoid Sera.

An awkward silence lasted her ten minutes, but it was always like that with the friends, silence was their connection. (Or not...) "I'm going home soon..." Sera mentioned, staring down at her hands, which were in her lap. Tabitha rolled her eyes. "Better if you're home anyway." she remarked, her voice low. Sera looked up, her green eyes dark.

"At least I won't be the one dead in the next four days." she said back, her voice rising. Tabitha rose an eyebrow. "I'll live longer than you yellow-belly!" she yelled. Sera rose an eyebrow. "Fine, I'll make sure you die slow..." she whispered to herself, cracking her knuckles. Anna slapped her forehead, staring at her friends annoyed.

"If you touch me, the village will have your head princess!" yelled Tabitha, backing up. At the door Kaye and Robin entered, stopping once they saw what was going on. Kaye went over to Sera. "Calm down or you're going to have a cow." he told her. Sera glared at him, but smirked. Kaye was one of her best friends. As where she wasn't too fond of Tabitha and Robin. "Let's go for a walk to get you calm." he told her, taking her hand and leading her out as she bowed her head lightly to Anna and Robin in a farewell.

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Sorry, this is a terrible chapter. ( but the story will get better! So please don't shun me!

REVIEW PLEASE!