Broken Blade
ch. 4
"The Proper Punishment"
"Ugh! This isn't fair!", Altair yelled, throwing his hands in the air. The ebony haired teen across from him just rolled his eyes, turning his gaze back to his studies. "Well, no use getting upset about it Altair." Malik grumbled, flipping a page with slight irritation. Altair gave an aggravated huff as he slumped down in his chair, "I just can't believe out of all the punishments the Master could choose, he chose 'This'." He finished the last word with angry emphasis, his head hitting the back of the chair with a thud. Malik just sighed and looked up at him, slightly amused at his plight and not bothering to hide it. "You never know, Altair. Maybe it might be good for you to learn a few things from Tahneen." A slight grin creased his dark face as he continued, "She 'is' a Master Assassin after all." Malik's tone was blunt and mocking as he spoke, his voice also screamed with blatant sarcasm. Altair gave a small growl as his topaz eyes gave a death glare at the fellow Novice. His pride had been hurt enough and Malik only made it worse as usual. After about ten minutes of tense silence, Altair stood up and headed towards the door, casting a daring glance at Malik. "I'm through talking with you, Malik.", the teen snapped, stalking out the door. Malik just chuckled, amusement glimmering in his chocolate eyes. "Good luck!"
Tahneen gave a relieved sigh as cooling water splashed against her face, the afternoon sun giving off its usual desert heat. She grabbed a wet cloth and wipped her face just as Altair walked in the small hut, wearing the same scowl on his face. She glanced at him for a brief moment, her deep green eyes giving off an unamused essense. "Hello Altair." She tried to speak politely to the Novice, turning towards the freshly dried hoods and cloaks on the thick hide lines. Altair just grunted in response, cutting his eyes away. Tahneen rolled her eyes at him, grabbing a white cloak and grey hood from the assortment of clothes. She walked over and held them out to him, his previously bloodied and ripped outfit now perfect as if it never happened. "I washed and sewed your clothes for you. If you're going to be my partner, you're going to look the part." Altair just glanced down at the clothes and back up at her, taking them out of her hands as if confused by her kind gesture.
His confusion didn't last long however as that same scowl once again dominated his features. "Why? You're a Master Assassin aren't you?" His tone was slightly mocking but sincere as he stared strangely at the girl, bewilderment betraying his usually cocky demeanor. Tahneen just glanced questioningly at him before folding the remaining clothes in neat stacks, "Yes.", she replied simply, shaking out a clean cowl. "Then why are you doing laundry? That's the lowest of the Novices' jobs." Altair almost sounded disgusted with her as he watched, his topaz glare glued to her face awaiting some sort of response. "Well...", Tahneen paused for a moment, trying to think of the best way to explain to such a prideful being. "I feel that, since I am a part of this society and not 'just' a master assassin, that other jobs besides killing maybe be necessary to keep our home healthy and well protected." She finished folding and turned to her new partner, her face void of the slightest irritation. "I'm merely a piece, Altair. Same as you."
Altair just stared blankly at her, pride mixed with confusion filled his gaze as he watched her slide past him and head towards the tethered horses. "You gonna stand there all day or are we going to get moving?", she yelled back over her shoulder, swinging up onto the saddle of a large chestnut mare. Altair just scoffed and pulled his cloak, dagger, and sword belt on, reaching back and pulling the cowl over his head. "Oh shut up!" He jogged over and picked a grey stallion, shooting her a dirty glance and spurring his horse to a canter. Tahneen just watched him go and heaved a heavy sigh, easing her mare into a trot. "This is going to be a long trip."