YES!! YES!! Chapter three is finally out, and I couldn't be more...disappointed in myself. My reviewers (you people of course) have sent such great ideas and wonderful inspiration, and I'm sorry to say that this chapter won't be what you expected. I've gotten countless reviews of people telling me to make Kelly an assassin, but I felt as though that everyone was doing that so I went with something that was a little more original. Sorry if that isn't what you wanted. Please don't flame me!
Now, before I forget, many thanks goes out to Estrella Nuvola for giving me the idea to do some of my favorite things while typing. Eating, drinking, and listening to music! Thanks Estrella!
I stood in the library patiently as I watched Mualim pace the floor behind his desk. My stomach was bouncing all around inside me, and my fingers started to twitch. Like I said before, I never gave a second thought to why Mualim welcomed me so openly. I held my breath as he spoke.
"The reason I have welcomed you so openly is that I have received a prophecy, a prophecy I believe to be from God. A messenger appeared to me in countless dreams saying that God will send an angel to help my men find peace with them. The angel shall be a woman, and she will come to the Brotherhood on a day with least expectance. Do you understand what I am saying?"
"You believe me to be this angel of whom you speak of, correct?"
"Yes, I know you to be it. The Angel of Peace is a spectacular heavenly being. She is very just, calm, and most important of all, at peace with the world around her."
I began to think that this old man had gone off his rocker. Me, an angel? The only time I was an angel was when I was six. My church was doing a Christmas play, and I had to be one of the many angels on the side. Then, I looked into his eyes (well, eye really) and something told me he serious about what he said. That's what Bassem was so worked up about! Mualim must have spread the news about the arrival of the Angel of Peace while I was passed out in the recovery wing. Truth is that God didn't send me, and I earlier explained to Mualim that I just fell from the sky after I pressed my face against the television screen. How did he come to the conclusion that I was an angel when all he had to support that theory was dreams?
"Master, ever since I got here, I haven't felt calmness or peace with my own self. How can I possibly be this holy being?"
"I understand that you have been troubled with all of the recent events, but if you cease all of this worry, you will find peace within."
My brain hurt from processing all of these words into terms that I understood. Why did everyone have to talk so oddly? Inside me something was stirring, like a rat trapped in its cage. I knew what the feeling meant. It was a sign that I was eager yet nervous at the same time, and when this feeling arose, I would usually lock myself in my room or go outside on a nice, sunny day and do yoga or meditate.
Mualim then placed several articles of clothing on his desk gesturing for me to take them.
"I shall explain to you how this robe is supposed to be worn." He picked up an article and held it out. It looked like a shoulder garment with a hood sewed on to the back. "This goes around your shoulders. There is a hood on the back to conceal your face since you will be traveling with Altair, and I do not want people to recognize you for that will put you at risk." He showed me two identical articles then it hit me.
"Wait a second! I'm going to be traveling with who now!?"
"With Altair. Now, please hold your tongue and do not interrupt," he said as soon as I opened my mouth to protest." The leader went back identifying clothes. "These two pieces are the sleeves." I nodded to show that I understood. Mualim went on to explain about the robe itself, which I saw that it didn't have any straps ("Just pull it over your head," he told me, and I began to wonder how he knew that.), the sash that draped over my right shoulder and ended on my left side, and the basic-looking sandals that completed the outfit. Mualim finished with a statement that the robe and additions were made of the finest satin.
When I picked it up, the material felt like water flowing over my hands as I picked it up. I held it in front of me and the robe looked as though someone had measured me and designed it for my body alone, except for the fact that the sleeves were a bit long when I held them up separately. I looked to the assassin leader and smiled brightly.
"If you desire to change into your new attire, your now prepared room is at the very top of the stairs. You may also stay there until it is time for dinner. I will have someone fetch you if that is what you chose," he stated.
Before I left, I turned to him and thanked him for his hospitality and generosity. My legs seemed to carry me with ease now since I felt so elated. With a white robe and everything else around my arm and a smile creasing my lips, I hurried up the stairs to my room just where Mualim told me, and it was gorgeous.
The window allowed the sunset in the western sky to shine into the room, sun-kissing everything its rays touched. In the middle of the room was rung with intricate designs on it, and the center held the Guild's insignia. A bed was in the far right corner with a nightstand next to it that had a bowl of water sitting atop it, probably for washing my face. Next to the stand was a red candle in a metal holder; the wick hinted that the candle had been lit only a few times. There was a small bookshelf against the opposite wall of the bed lined with a few books, some of them leaning against another for support.
I stepped over to the bed and placed the clothing down on it. In my mind I was debating if I should put on the robe or wait until after I ate since I always seemed to spill more food when I was wearing white. On the other hand, I really wanted to see what I looked like and how the robe felt when I was clothed with it. Then, I could change back into my normal clothes to eat, but that would mean undressing, putting the angel robe on just to see how I appeared, then putting my other outfit back on just to go to dinner. I knew that after dinner, I'd go back into my room and undress again for bed.
I swatted the air with my right hand and shook my head. The answer to changing into the robe was no. A little voice inside of me kept urging me to put in on, and I tried to ignore it by filling my mind with other thoughts; unfortunately, those other thoughts including Steven and my mother. They were probably worried sick about me. Mom would most likely be panicking while she called around to see where I went. Steven was undoubtedly searching around town at my favorite hang out spots.
A pout formed on my lips as I realized that all of these events had made me lose sight of what truly needed to be done. I needed to get home, but the question is: How do I? I then folded my arms across my stomach, feeling the small lump in the pouch of my hoodie. I dug inside and pulled out my wallet; it was black with a blue butterfly on the front. After I unsnapped the clasp that held it shut, two familiar photos greeted my eyes. One was a family photo—I was twelve when it was taken. The other was a picture of Alan and I, which was seven years later. Both of the photographs had something in common. That was both of the men in the pictures were gone. Both of them taken from me, and I was there to witness it all.
I walked over to the nightstand and placed the wallet on it then went to open the window. Once I did, I could see that there was a ledge that was just large enough to where I could sit on it without falling off. Slowly, I stepped onto the ledge with my right foot followed by my left. I held on to the side of the window to keep my balance as I sat down on the stone limb.
A scented breeze that smelled of Arabic mint and rosemary blew gently into the room, slightly lifting my hair and letting it back down again. The air was much cleaner than in my time, and the sky seemed bluer than ever before. I sighed deeply and gazed upwards at the rolling clouds. My heart weighed heavily in my chest as thoughts of my father and boyfriend came flooding into my head.
"Oh, Dad, Alan, I know that you don't want me to feel alone, but it's so hard not to be," I said to the clouds. "It's just—sometimes I wish that it wasn't you two. I need help. What do I do to get home?"
The wind blew once more, and I felt someone's hand slowly caressing the side of my face. The hands were callused from a hard day's work but gentle from being a family man, like the hands of my father. I pressed against the force knowing that he was right beside me silently telling me it was all going to work out.
"You're right, Dad. I'll figured something out," I whispered, feeling the comforting hand leave me.
There was a knock on my door. I told the knocker to come in; he looked like a messenger of Mualim's. He told that dinner was ready, and I was to come down to join. I nodded a few times and followed the messenger down to the room where they ate.
The dining hall looked amazing with its eloquent paintings and stain-glass windows on each side. The sunset filtered through making the glass that were shades of amber, red, orange, and light blue shimmer. Next to the castle itself, the dining hall was the most breathtaking thing I'd ever laid eyes on. Then, I saw the long, wooden table coated with food on silver platters, and the assassins sitting in their chairs waiting patiently for everyone to join. Some chairs were empty due to the number of assassins that needed to recover. Al Mualim was seated at the far end in a large, well-crafted chair of his own.
He motioned for me to come and sit on his left hand side, and I did as I was told. Many of the assassins who had not seen me earlier that day turned to watch as I walked by. Their gazes made me shudder inwardly for I didn't enjoy all of these people looking at me.
I sat in the seat instructed to be by the leader. The meal began, and I felt like stuffing myself full until I puked considering I hadn't eaten since that morning. I piled food high then felt a knot twisting in my stomach. Everything was much too quiet. My eyes drifted to look over all of the assassins to find them staring at me in shock. I returned my own gaze to my food then back to them.
"I'm hungry!" I yelled, doing my little head bobbing motion that I execute when I try to get a point across. "God, you act like you ain't never seen a woman eat!"
They instantly returned to their meals. Mualim chuckled slightly. With my mouth full of bread, I glared at him partially since I was still a little angry with the assassins staring at me.
"Waff's fo fun'y?" I asked, the words mixing in with the chow.
"'Ain't never'," he said with a raised eyebrow. "You have a strange way of speaking, Angel."
Well, yeah? So do you! screamed the voice inside my head. I told it to be quiet and to not be so rude considering it's not polite to ridicule someone who feeds you.
The stained glass windows started to loose their bright colors as the sun sank below the horizon. I lost track of time while I ate, but before I knew it, I was stuffed like a sausage. I patted my stomach and smiled. I had to admit that even my own cooking wasn't as good as what I ate. My cheeks puffed out as I gave a closed-mouth burp, and I suddenly felt sleepy. I guessed everyone did since they began getting up and heading off to their rooms for the night. Then, I remembered that I had all of those stairs to climb. Great…wonderful…fantastic, I thought sarcastically.
So I headed off to bed, noticing that a few assassins had bid me good night. I answered instinctively with the same two words. When I entered my room, my shoes flew off and landed by the bed with a thunk. I moved the robe from the foot of the bed to the nightstand, and I crawled under the covers. It wasn't as heavy as what I was used to sleeping at home with; maybe it's because I only slept with the comforter instead of the sheets. Within a few minutes, I was out like a light.
The next morning when I awoke, I stumbled out of bed and to the window thinking I was in my own, regular room. My vision cleared, and I saw what was outside. I swore to myself.
"It's true," I whispered. "I'm in this damned game. Hmm…I wonder how Mom and Stevie slept last night, if they even slept at all." My mouth then twisted in annoyance. "I gotta stop talking to myself."
I looked back at the white bundle of clothing sitting on the nightstand. I guessed today would be the day that I wore it. Unsurely, I walked over to the small, wooden table and started stripping myself of my clothes. My body felt dirty since I usually took a bath everyday, and I didn't bathe yesterday. I shuddered quietly whenever I thought about all the dirt and dead skin cells on me. Pushing the thought out of my mind, I donned the angel robe and impulsively twirled in it. The material lifted slightly and floated back down like the feather of a baby bird. I ran my fingers through my dark hair, which was surprisingly still soft considering I hadn't brushed it the whole day yesterday. I leaned over the bowl of water, cupped my hands, and splashed my face with the liquid. After wiping it off, I slipped on the sandals and adjusted the straps so they wouldn't flop off my feet.
I quietly descended the stairs and noticed that Mualim wasn't in his study. Maybe he's still sleeping, suggested the voice. For some strange reason at that moment, I wanted to go see Altair. Steal his clothes while he's passed out! One, he's not technically passed out. Two, I'll get my revenge later, and not in the form of a clothing thief, even though that would be hilarious. I'll give it a second thought. Yeah, maybe I will steal his outfit.
As I was imagining about me running through Masyaf with Altair on my heels and swearing for all to hear, I found myself walking into the garden that lay inside the castle. Fog was still settled on the ground, coating it in an unclear mist. The different aromas of the bloomed flowers wafted around me, and I felt as though what Mualim said to me yesterday was true. I was finding inner peace with myself once I was able to take a minute to relax. This is a perfect time, I thought, for yoga. Yoga was a perfect way for me to unwind from a stressful day or to prepare for what was yet to come; it also helped to keep me in shape.
The sun rose steadily, and I lost track of time again. The scented air, the songs of birds carried on the wind, clothing that moved with me, everything was the utter essence of tranquility. I couldn't help but smile to myself since I was relaxed to the max. I was in tune with every little thing around me so I closed my eyes just to test myself. There was a sparrow in the thyme bush, and four were bathing in the small stream. I could hear a number of assassins move throughout the castle and off to the training grounds where swords were already being collided. Suddenly, I felt another presence in my midst, and I casually turned around to see who was watching me.
The master's voice greeted me, "Ahh, so you're here, Angel. Good morning. I figured you'd rise with the sun, but I had no idea where you were."
"Good morning, Master Mualim. I just needed a place to think is all." I returned his calm smile. "You were right. I feel so peaceful now, and I'm ready to live up to the name of Angel of Peace."
"I'm glad to hear you say that," he said then beckoned me to follow him. "Come. There is much to discuss."
"There is?"
"Yes."
We ended up in the library in his study. I realized one thing though. This man spends so much time here, but does he ever pick up a book and read it? I mean, seriously…does he ever? I almost let the question slip past my lips, but I "stayed my tongue" as people would say here.
"Angel, I am about to put the peace you have with everything to the test. You see that is exactly what the assassins fight for…peace. This is where you come in. Such divinity will help my men rest easier and fight with more potential than I've ever seen. Yet there is one that requires closer attention, and he will not be easy to get through to."
"Altair?"
"Naturally. This is why you two shall travel together. Help him find his own inner peace."
Then, a young boy appeared on the stairs leading to the library. He did not say a word, but Mualim seemed to understand why he was there. The leader gave him a signal to leave, and the boy flew back down the stairs.
"We shall speak more of the matter later. First, we must eat." Mualim started a slow descent.
"Awesome," I said as my stomach growled quietly. "I could go for some breakfast."
On the way to the dining hall, Al Mualim told me something else. "After we are finished with our meal, we will go down to the river to bathe."
This freaked me out a bit. "We as in…?" I hesitated.
"Everyone, except for the wounded since they cannot afford to be moved."
"Huh!?" I stopped in my tracks with my mouth hanging open. This guy didn't seriously think I was going to bathe with a bunch of random, strange men! I was already half-naked in front of some of them, and I didn't want to go for the whole picture. "You don't honestly expect me to bathe with a bunch of guys, do you?"
He was silent, and he stepped through the hall's doors without a word. I just stood there sputtering at his reaction. No freakin' way in Heaven or on Earth would I take a bath with people I wasn't familiar with! Still, my body screamed for a wash, and I tried my hardest to ignore it. If I couldn't, I'd probably find a way to compromise.
The hall was the same as when I had supper in it, except the lighting was opposite due to the sun's position. Also, there was a difference in the assassins' reactions. Instead of just simply staring at me, some had the audacity to gawk, whisper to their neighbor, or do both at the same time. Instinctively, I walked a little farther away from the table than normal since I knew some jarhead was going to try something. I sat down quickly and noticed that there was a new face at the table.
"Hey," I exclaimed while pointing at the man, "you're the guy with the messed up arm!" My finger dropped, and I mumbled to myself, "Ooh, that's a nice image to start your morning meal off with." Then, I noticed that the arm that used to be mangled was gone.
"Malik," he said bluntly. "My name is Malik."
I repeated, "Malik. That's a nice name."
I ate slowly since I was no longer in a rush to wash up. I was trying to think of what to say to Mualim to at least let me in the river by myself, but I doubted anything I tried would work. Sullenly, I followed the trail of white-robed men out of the castle, through the village, and to the river just outside it. I quickly spun about-face and covered my eyes, giggling silently and blushing, whenever I heard the men's clothing come off.
"What's wrong, Angel?" I heard Al Mualim ask.
"It's embarrassing!" I answered sheepishly. My mouth abruptly formed a straight line. "Wait…please tell me that you're not getting in there, too!"
"I have to be clean too, don't I?"
His footsteps moved away from me, and there was a rustle of clothes. I started to gag as a disgusting sight formed in my mind's eye. Curse my over-imaginative brain! Curse it for being able to produce such images along with detail! (1)
"Hey, Angel! Won't you join us?" an assassin called out.
"No, thank you!" I replied. "I don't wish to be part of the Naked Assassin Party right now!"
"But the only reason we're doing this is because of you!" exclaimed another.
I heard water being splashed and shouts of the assassins as they played around. Part of my body was begging me to get in the water so it could get a nice scrub, and the other part was screaming for me to go no where near the river. So I stood there turned around with my eyes covered trying to decide which part to listen to. In the end I did Eeny-Meeny-Miny-Mo. The part that wanted a bath won.
I moved over to the nearest bush and began undressing. The commotion died down, and I felt gazes upon me once more. As soon as I removed my shoulder garment/hood, I glared at the males. What I saw was a bunch of faces and a whole lot of well-toned bodies. A crimson blush appeared on my face as I yelled, "Stop staring at me!" They acted as though they went back to their water activities. Whoever came up with Eeny-Meeny-Miny-Mo…I hate them…with a passion.
Then, I was completely naked, and I was so uncomfortable. I had never been fully unclothed in front of one man much less than a whole fleet. Sighing desperately, I emerged from the shelter of the bushes and rapidly made my way into the river until the water was able to conceal my breasts. I looked towards the assassins to see a few of them point, and some even had the courage to swim over to me. I whimpered none too quietly, and the blush on my face darkened. My arms wrapped around my breasts, but one of the men pulled one arm away.
"Come join the rest of us, Angel," he coaxed as he tugged on my hand.
I shook my head quickly. Suddenly, I flung my hand backwards, and it collided with the side of an assassin's face. A small, tickling feeling on my backside compelled me to do that. One of the assassin's hands stayed underwater while the only breached the surface to hold his cheek.
"That hurt," he said simply.
"Well, maybe you shouldn't be touching me anywhere below the neck!" I snapped.
"It's not my fault you have a nice bottom."
"Excuse me!?"
"W-What I meant to say was…uhh…Nasir, help me."
"I'm guessing what Mas'ud is trying to say is that you have a rather lovely backside, and he would like to touch it," the man called Nasir stated. Mas'ud glared angrily at his companion. Nasir returned the look. "What? Not the explanation you were hoping for?"
"No!"
"Would both of you foul-minded men leave this woman be?" the first assassin scolded. "Off with you both."
Nasir shrugged and swam off to join the others. Mas'ud was quick to follow but not before he shot me a quick wink. The unnamed assassin scoffed and shook his head. He folded his arms over his muscled chest, sighing. He then looked at me and smiled friendly-like.
"I'm Anas," he said warmly. "My apologies if those two irked you. Mas'ud cannot help himself at times, and Nasir is just along in case Mas'ud makes an unwise choice. They're steadfast companions though."
I nodded to show that I comprehended. There was a long, slightly awkward pause in between Anas and me before he finally stared at me and raised a dark eyebrow. He smile transformed into a smirk as if he had something planned. I tilted my head to the right side then back to an upright position. What did this guy have brewing in the confines of his male mind? Please don't try to make a move. Please don't try to make a move. Please don't try to—
A petit wave of water crashed against my face, and I stepped backwards on the riverbed, wiping my face. I glanced at Anas to see him gazing at the sky like nothing happened, and then he looked back to me. He flashed the kind of smile that one shows whenever they know they did something and they're trying to get the others to mimic them. Wow, this was the first time I've seen an assassin smile so much.
"Well, you won't splash me back? I have to ask, where's the fun in that?" he joked.
"You guys actually have fun?" I asked disbelieved.
"We make time."
"Okay then."
With that, I flung water in his face just as he did me. Before I knew it, a splash fight had broken out, and Anas and I started laughing. This got the attention of his brothers. The words Anas, Angel, and splash fight were all I heard. Soon, the group encircled us both, some cheering on their brother and some actually rooting for me. By now, my raven hair was soaked, and I altogether forgot about being nude. Then, everyone started to join in, and water was flying in all directions. I never knew assassins could have this much fun! (2)
When our "bath" was finished, I dressed in the safety of the bushes and joined the Brotherhood on their trek back to the castle. My internal alarm clock told me it was about 9:15'ish when we returned. Mualim told me to make myself at home, and he suggested that I visit the village market. He warned me to keep my hood over my head. Eager as I was, I nodded, did a 180, and headed back towards the village with my face concealed. Now, things were going to start heating up, and I could feel that I was going to do something I would regret later.
Well, that last paragraph wasn't what I would call good. My eye for detail was failing because I REALLY wanted to go to bed considering it was like 2:00 in the freakin' morining. Still, I tried to make it my best I possibly could for you guys. I hope you enjoyed it. Oh, and keep sending in your ideas! They're much appreciated!
(1) I really did gag when I was typing that. It honestly felt like I was going to throw up.
(2) I could not resist putting an assassin water fight in there. I mean, they can't all be serious, can they? I'll let them have fun.
Remember, ideas keep my creative mind working.
Kelly: Just don't give her ideas to make me do anything stupid!
Me: You're already going to do something you'll regret. Oh, oh, oh! How about ideas of revenge on Altair?
Kelly: That's great! Hmm...the fun...the fun I shall have! HA HA!
