Hullo, everybody! Here's the latest chapter. I'll post more soon. Please R&R and I hope you enjoy! -LR

"Mana. What's a briarheart?"

I pause in pinning a white sheet to the clothesline and take a deep breath, letting the clear, cold air fill my lungs. I have no idea how to begin explaining this to him. No idea as to what's been going through his mind since meeting Marrick.

Luckily, I see my brother come around the side of the house, bringing the last load of laundry.

"Jarsha?" I call out. He raises his eyebrows and chin and I can't help but smile. "Segen has a question for you."

He comes up beside me and sets down the basket, pulling out a sheet that he begins to pin up on the line.

"Does he, now?" He shrugs, pinning the sheet in place. "Ask away."

"What's a briarheart, ko'korai?"

Jarsha drops his arms, staring straight ahead into the sheet he's hung. He turns his head to glare at me, and I give a small shrug before grinning and hanging a pillowcase. He heaves a sigh and reaches for another sheet.

"It's a seed," he confesses. "A great, big briar seed." He shrugs his shoulders. "I didn't stay in Skyrim, once Baba sent me to the College to learn all that I could. No," he smiles softly, "once I figured out that all my masters were complete fools, I dropped out and traveled the country, picking up all the information that I could." He places the sheet pins, and begins to pin up a quilt. "Once I exhausted Skyrim's countryside and her libraries, I moved on, to Solstheim, at Adjin's behest."

My brows pull in.

"Adjin?"

"Just so," he nods. "There was an... accident. Involving Adji and this one's father," he says, jerking a thumb at Segen. "They needed my help; I came as soon as I could. As soon as I saw him, I knew Marrick was special. He had a very particular energy about him," he adds, winking at Segen.

Eyes wide, my son asks him to continue.

"Something had corrupted him during their travels. Adjin wouldn't say, but I had a pretty good idea what is was."

His eyes seem to glaze over, as his drifts into a pause.

"What was it?" I whisper quietly.

He shrugs, shaking his head minimally.

"Another time, mish'kirai."

"What happened next?" Segen hisses urgently. "Please. I need to know."

Jarsha nods and wets his lips, pinning one last sheet before turning the basket over and sitting down on it.

"Marrick was under spiritual attack. He was very, very poorly. Sickly," he shakes his head. "His soul has been hanging in the balance, ever since. It's why Adjin blood-binded the two of you," Jarsha adds, glancing at me. He gives the barest of smiles. "He knew your own soul, amplified by the spiritual power of your eyes would be able to carry the both of you, and balance Marrick out." My mouth has popped open, and I can't for the life of me get it to shut. Jarsha's smile vanishes and he clears his throat. "But, I digress. I stayed on in Solstheim to learn all I could there. Eventually, I got an apprenticeship with a Dumner wizard, known as Neloth. Brilliant man," he grins, "Brilliant teacher, too, though I'd never let him know it. He was experimenting with heart stones, and making replacement hearts. A tamer sort of Necropsy, giving people back their lives."

"That's when you returned to Skyrim," I observe. "You had to go to the Reach."

"Markarth, to be exact. The Forsworn are the madmen of the Reach, the self-proclaimed 'scourge of the Nords'. They are in deep connection with the Hagravens of lore, revering them and their dark arts above all. The Briarheart is one of these."

"Briarheart," Segen echoes thoughtfully. "Forsworn."

Jarsha glances at me briefly before continuing.

"Neloth had me… procure a heart for him, so he could study it. That was the first and last time I had contact with one."

Segen asks it before I know what's what.

"What about ink briarhearts?" he whispers. "What about tattoos?"

Jarsha's eyes light on him.

"You've met Marrick?" he whispers back. His gaze turns on me. "He's met Marrick?"

I shrug helplessly.

"Honestly, I meant to tell you. He followed me, to Whiterun and stayed with him awhile."

"Rontu, are you sure you want him asking this question? Are you sure he's ready to know?"

I turn to look at my son, who stares back at me.

I've given him a lot. But, not everything. I made a promise to him, that I would be a good mother, and that's something I can't do without giving him everything.

I turn to Jarsha and shake my head.

"No," I tell him, "I'm not sure if he is ready to know. What I am sure of, is that he has to know." My brother draws a deep breath and mutters something under his breath. "Jarsha, these are things I know nothing about; things I know only you could answer fully." I shrug. "You never did, after that night. I want to know, same as Segen."

"Ko'korai, you have to tell us," Segen pleads. "Please."

"Stenndar preserve us," Jarsha mutters. He rubs his face with both hands and smooths his dreadlocks out of his face before fixing his eyes on Segen. "He went to see a few Hagravens while we were staying in Riften with the Thieves. The hags of Darklight Tower."

"I remember," I say grimly.

How could I not.

"Marrick's isn't a true Briarheart, it's more like a… a brand, of sorts. They tattooed it over his heart using an ink made of spriggan sap, another hag favorite. The tattoo is a lot less dangerous than a real briar seed. Marrick's heart is still his own. You know, blood bonds, like between your mother and father, can't be muted by anything, except a Briarheart tattoo."

Segen swallows hard.

"Is that why they gave it to him?" he asks, doubtfully. "They wanted to separate my parents?"

Jarsha glances at me, and I know it's my turn to answer to Segen.

"No, sweetheart," I say, gently as I can. "Marrick sought the hagravens out. Separating from me, was his plan."

Segen's face twists in confusion.

"No," he insists. "He couldn't have. He loves you."

I press my lips together.

"Well, that may be true, baby," I say permissively. "But, sometimes people who love each other, don't… sometimes they…" I shut my eyes. "Sometimes, they aren't ready to be in that situation together. They don't feel… safe enough."

When I check his response, Segen is staring at me with widened eyes, a small, determined grin on his face.

"You said 'people who love each other'." I heave a sigh. "Mama, you love him. He loves you." I suddenly feel his gloved hand on my arm. "Even if a briarheart tattoo could mute your blood bond," he says, with a shrug, "I don't think it could ever mute that."

I'd respond to him. I really would.

But, I'm trying too hard to keep from crying while I keep pinning clothes.

Jarsha clears his throat again.

"Gi'girai, why don't you head inside? See what ole Argis's baking." He smiles, "I think I heard him mention crostatas."

Segen's smile brightens his whole face and I busy myself with the laundry, so he can't see how flustered I am.

"Snowberry crostatas?"

Jarsha looks offended.

"Are there any other kind?"

With that, my son dashes off for the house. My brother breathes a heavy sigh, and looks to me.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Rontu." I press my lips together before starting to pin the darker clothes. "What did you think would happen, by wanting to know more about him? That you would love him any less?"

"No, Jarsha, I want us both to be able to understand him better," I tell him. "And, I could never not love him. I know that. Alright? I know. I don't need you to tell me that."

"It isn't just that, and you know it." He glances towards the house before moving closer to me. "Segen's hopes are already high. You know?" He scoffs, "What child wouldn't want both of his parents together?" When I shut my eyes, he sighs again. "Rontu. All I'm saying is that you have to be careful. Otherwise, he'll always be looking for Marrick's place at the table. His shadow darkening your door. Isn't that exactly what you've been fighting to avoid?"

"I have something to tell you," I blurt, right off the tail end of his words.

He pauses for a moment, staring at me, as if he's trying to figure me out. He opens his mouth to say something, but before he can, Danica leaves the house, with more laundry in her arms, headed in our direction.

"Alright." Jarsha nods, taking me by the shoulder. "Alright. Let's take a walk, hn?"

He leads me down and away from the house, into the High Gate woods. As we start past the treeline, snow begins to falls, softly and lazily through the canopy above. I cross my arms over my chest, checking over my shoulder every few moments until the house is just out of sight. I wet my lips.

"I'm going to leave him with Marrick," I confess, rubbing my arms. It's quiet. So quiet, I'm not sure myself whether I actually said it. By the look on my brother's face, however, I must have.

"Are you an idiot?" he snaps. I start to speak, but he raises his hands, fury evident in his brown eyes. "No, Rontu! You are his mother! You are his mother!"

"I-"

"You are his mother! Marrick can go to hell, if he thinks he'll just be taking over like that!"

"It was my idea," I mumble.

"Then, the both of you can go to hell together," Jarsha sneers. "If you give that boy up, I swear to every god-"

"It's only fair!" I cry out, stopping his words. "Isn't it?" He seems not to understand me, so I press on, fumbling my words. "I took away five years from him, Jarsha. I stole that time, time with his son. Time he wanted, and that I never knew he wanted because I never told him." Jarsha is silent. I wet my lips and continue. "Can you... can you imagine how he's feeling? Divines, I- I don't know how to ever begin making things right. I can't seal Segen away from him; they belong together. I- we gave him a good start, I know. But, he needs to be with his father in order for him to be complete. Not just learn to be a man, but be complete. That's something I can't give him on my own, Jarsha. Only Marrick."

Jarsha is silent still, and I feel tears beginning to well up inside of me. I try to choke down the so, but it tears out from my throat. Immediately, his arms are around me.

"How blind we must have been to your woes, sister," he mutters fiercely. "How is it we couldn't see this suffering?" I have no answer for him; only tears. When they calm, he brushes my hair back and rubs my shoulders. "I see what you mean, mish'kirai," he says. "But, giving up Segen is not the answer."

"What is, then?" I mumble. "Because, I'm sure I've thought of everything."

I feel his shoulders rise and fall.

"Perhaps the answer doesn't need to be seen yet," he says simply. "Perhaps it's best to stop worrying about it, and continue enjoying your boy. Rather than concern yourself with who ought to be raising him, raise him. Marrick is in no place to be doing so himself. And, who can say whether he will ever be? He's currently a prisoner of the High Queen, the Dragonborn and has backers attempting to place him on the throne." He shrugs again. "Let Segen be your worry, sister, and the fact that Marrick knows he is in your care be some solace for him, with all these other worries on his plate."

He's right.

"You're right," I whisper hoarsely. "Thank you, brother. Thank you."

"Of course," he whispers back. He holds me a while longer, before pulling away. I can tell by his face and his posture that he has something to tell me, as well. "Um. Rontu..."

"What?"

"It's about Adjin."

My heart nearly stops.

"What about Adjin."

"Marrick, too," he admits.

I snatch him by the folds of his overcoat.

"What about them!" I hiss.

His hands cover mine, as he stares down at me.

"Hammerfell's Council of Magistrates came to a vote. Giaz Ibn Rahaim wanted to gain Marrick the support of all of Hammerfell."

My breath catches in my throat.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He shakes his head, "Adjin said not to. At least, not until it was certain." My brows pull in as I study his face. "The vote split, Rontu. Taneth, Dragonstar, Stros M'Kai, and Gilane for. Skaven, Sentinel, Rihad and Elinhir against. They were going to vote again, when Giaz learned he was going to lose Dragonstar, which would have lost him the vote. Everyone began to doubt the kingsmoot, because they feared Giaz had no allies within Skyrim. He sent for Adjin, because he knew Adjin could bring that ally."

All sound leaves the world. My grip tightens on his coat.

"Don't tell me."

"Adjin is the Magistrate-Elect of Hegathe, Rontu. If we are able to overthrow the Aldmeri Dominion, he will officially appointed. He speaks for the families left behind. The ones who were forced to seek refuge elsewhere." He squeezes my hands. "Because of Adjin, it is official. All of Hammerfell is backing Marrick."

"And the ally backing Adjin?"

I ask, even though I'm almost sure I know.

"Ulfric Stormcloak," he tells me, a smile brushing the corners of his mouth. "He's leading a charge, tonight."

"How do you know all this!"

"Adjin wrote to me, at the College, just before we were forced to evacuate. He told me of his plans, and didn't want me to tell you, because he knew you would become involved. If the Council saw your name, and your son's name, they would advise for you both to return to Hammerfell. And, you know very well that when it comes to the Council advise is just a polite euphemism for command." He shakes his head, his face twisted in scorn. "Not only that, but they would have decidedly found a respectful match for you, to complete your family. And, we both know who that would have been."

Adjin.

"Always three steps ahead," I mutter, awe-struck. "Jarsha, is there any way- Do you think I could join in the battle?"

"Ulfric very likely wouldn't mind," he mused. "But, Adjin might."

"What if I went as Na'el?"

"Now, Rontu-"

"Jarsha, we can help! A lot of those people will only get hurt. If Solitude can be quickly subdued, then all the better for Marrick, Ulfric and Adjin." He presses his lips together, and gives me a hard look. "Kemet, you know I'm right. Let's have the three of us ride into battle, together. As we once did, brother."

His eyes soften and he opens his mouth to speak. Before he can, a loud clapping sounds from just beyond us.

"Well done, keeping my secret, mish'girai," Adjin says, smiling wryly. "Especially when I was on my way to reveal it myself."

"Adjin!"

"Apologies, brother."

Our older brother raises his hand in dismissal.

That is when I notice his clothes.

Golden bracelets clasp on his wrists, embedded with rubies. A long, heavy deep sapphire blue cowl-shawl is draped about his shoulders and over a bright red-orange Alik'r hood. Strings of multi-colored beads hangs from the red hood, and a gold, stain scarf is wrapped about his neck, between the hood and the blue cowl-shawl. Underneath the shawl, his robes are purest white; his harem pants, emerald green and tucked into fine, knee-high, brown boots. His mustachio is ringed, his fingers are jeweled.

No one can convince me that the man before me now is not a god-king.

"Adjin," I echo breathlessly. "Adjin-"

"I've come from the Stormcloak encampment," he says, with a slight nod of his head in the direction he's come from. "I'm here to fetch you. After all-" he gives the barest shrug. "We couldn't overthrow the Aldmeri Dominion's puppet Empire, without one last ride into battle together." He glances at me with a sly smile. "As we once did."

Jarsha and I share a knowing look before turning our grins on the eldest.

"Well, then," I shrug. "Let us grab our gear."

Jarsha turns back to the manor, but Adjin calls out my name, stopping me.

"Mish'kirai," he says, and clears his throat. "Mo'preant. I wondered if I could speak to you of something. Alone," he adds, his eye darting after Jarsha.

I nod, turning back to face him. Whatever he has to say, it can't be good.

"Of course, Adji."

He swallows and clear his throat again.

"I overheard Jarsha, telling you about what the Council. What it would do if it learned of your child and your unmarried status in a foreign country."

"Oge'," I laugh, "And, thank Ruptga that they don't. I couldn't possibly imagine having to leave all this behind and marry Shazaa, after all this- Adjin? Why are you making that face?" My older brother says nothing. His eyes are full of despair. It takes me a moment, but I soon understand why. "Adjin," I hiss, shaking my head. "Oh, gods."