Author's Note:I got so many reviews so quickly to posting up the 6th chapter that I worked really hard on the next one immediately! I will admit, some may be upset with this chapter because it does -not- focus on Malik/Nadia as much, but more on another relationship of Malik's. But I assure you that the next one shall have some sugary goodness to it! Now for some shout outs ;)
LDen66, thank you so much for the review! And don't worry there shall be plenty of tension still yet between the two ;) I hope you continue to read and review my story! And thank you so much on complimenting my writing, my writing was honestly improved and polished through a role-playing forum. Sadly I'm no longer apart of that forum because of a lot of drama, but I at least took with me the skills to be a better writer ^^ I am quite proud of myself.
FALLING-ANGEL24, haha! Not so fast =P Nadia still has a suitor ;)
Amy122, sorry to hear about your trouble finding a beta reader :s I re-read my own chapters, and it sometimes does not work as you may well now lol I would offer to be your Beta, but I randomly get pulled away from my computer altogether due to school so I feel that would be a bit unfair. Good luck in your search! I hope you find someone.
Britanika, your username reminded me of this tumblr conversation where people that were not from England and the US -shipped- our countries, like it was their OTP haha. Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoy this one as well and continue to review =)
Fantasyfan4ever, do not worry! I simply worked harder for reviews lol Sorry to hear about your laptop! And I hope by your review it means that it's fixed. And trust me I definitely understand what you mean about juggling school, I honestly couldn't imagine trying to juggle a job too.
Thanks everyone for the reviews! And enjoy =)
Chapter Seven: Altair, the Eagle and Son of No-One
He was just mesmerized by the very sight of her now, she was under a thin blanket, her dark, brown hair in that braid that it was always in, a few strands were still falling into her face though. Her own hazel eyes were staring back at him, raising an eyebrow as to what he was doing, but she stayed quiet, apparently enjoying the peace too. Nadia still wore clothes, both were fully dressed, but this time she was curled against him. Malik had wanted nothing more than to yank off her clothes and bed her then and there, but he had shown absolute restraint, she still had a suitor, that would have to be dealt with before he could have his way with her. Until then, he would settle for chaste kisses and looking at her the way he was looking at her right now.
"Malik, stop it," Nadia said, her tan cheeks darkening.
"Stop what," Malik asked calmly.
Nadia blushed and looked around as though someone might over hear her, "stop looking like you want to devour me."
"But I do," Malik stated calmly.
Nadia smiled at that, but then realization dawned on her and Malik watched as worry cross her features, "What about-"
"Don't," Malik cut in, "not just yet."
"But Malik, what if-"
"Please," Malik said, and Nadia fell silent, snuggling closer to him instead and falling silent. He kissed her forehead, he already knew exactly what she wanted to ask. What about Khayat? And he didn't have an answer, he had to properly follow what her father has already done for her, whether he liked it or not. The only other option would be to run away with her, but he couldn't do that because at the moment he was a Dai. He had to run this bureau for the Order, and it was the only way he could continue to be close to the Order that he was so angry with. Could he give up the Order for Nadia? He looked down at her, and he honestly couldn't find an answer to that question. What if my father won't listen? That one was easier, Malik would make him listen. He had Nadia now, for how long was uncertain, her suitor could already have a set date for their wedding. Usually the woman didn't know that far in advanced as to when it would be, she was just expected to show up, look beautiful, and have a good time. What happens when Khayat comes back and we still haven't figured out us? That would be harder, Malik wasn't certain if he could stand the idea of her leaving him for Khayat to woo her and possibly kiss her. His arm tightened around her waist possessively at the thought of someone else having their hands on Nadia. It wasn't that he thought of Nadia as his, but at the same time he did think of her as his. Nadia wasn't property, it took Nadia to make Malik realize this; but she was his in the sense of she had said that she wanted him.
Heaving a sigh, Malik suddenly rose from the bed, "you ruined it."
"I'm sorry," Nadia murmured, actually sounding apologetic as she pressed herself against his back. She put one hand on his shoulder, as she laid kisses on his bare back gently, trying to kiss away the tension. "But what are we going to do- ah!"
Malik had suddenly turned with a grace and poise that could only come with training and for a moment with him above her like that, she was sort of afraid that he was going to plunge a hidden blade into her chest. But she relaxed quickly, what a silly thought, Malik would never harm her on purpose.
"You worry too much, can't we just enjoy the rest of the time that…he is not here," Malik asked.
Nadia frowned, "but shouldn't we figure out what our move is before Khayat-" Malik narrowed his eyes in dislike, but she went on, "-comes back?"
Malik hung his head in defeat and rolled off of her and was up once more, Nadia felt a bit guilty for trying to look out for them, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Exiting his room, she went and changed into a new dress and then immediately grabbed a quill, ink, and parchment.
Dear Abba,
Something has happened, I am fine, but I must request that you return to Jerusalem at your earliest convineince. Please, father, I wouldn't ask you to return unless it actually meant a lot to me. Please send back your response.
Safety, peace, and love,
Nadia
She sent it just as she heard the sound of boots landing on the ground in the garden; she looked in to see a young man enter the bureau. He didn't look that much older than her; he gave her a polite nod in greeting and then gave his full attention to the grumpy Dai. Nadia left them alone, she felt like she was prying on business if she listened in, so she set to work on cleaning the ink pots she hadn't cleaned last night because of last night. After the stables, they had returned to the bureau, often times ducking into alleys just so that they could get their hands on one another before continuing their brisk pace. Some times in their haste, they would accidentally bump into other citizens, they had shouted or grumbled in annoyance but had said nothing more against it. This time in Jerusalem was not one to cause a scene at all.
"Be certain to stay out of sight and not cause any need of suspicion with the guards," Malik warned after the Novice who was already running outside to complete his task. Malik sighed as Nadia placed breakfast in front of him, "stupid boy, he better be careful."
"It's cute how you care," Nadia said, leaning on his work space, he gave her a look of annoyance, but continued to scribble away in his notebook with his right hand.
"I only care because it could potentially reflect poorly on me," Malik insisted.
Nadia smirked at him, "oh really? I don't think that's the case at all. I think you care for all of them, even Alt-"
"Don't say his name," Malik had said so quickly and with so much hate that Nadia had actually taken the time to straighten up in alarm, Malik tried to keep writing, but his hand started trembling and finally he cursed in pain and sat on the stool, holding onto his stump. Nadia felt guilty, she moved around the work station and knelt down and attempted to roll up his pinned sleeve to reveal his stump, but Malik jerked away. "Nadia, please," he silently tried to get her to walk away from him. But she didn't listen as instead she placed her hands on his stump through the cloth, making him try to jerk away, but then she started kneading the flesh. Massaging the pained flesh tenderly, and Malik actually went slack in completely in utter surprise as the pain went away immediately.
He was so wrapped up on how good it felt, and a bit surprised at how good it felt to have someone even touch his stump, that he barely heard her whisper, "I'm sorry."
Malik looked down to her and heaved a sigh, "don't be…Altair and I used to be very close, practically brothers, not just within the Brotherhood. He just did a lot of things, he changed. The attack on Masyaf, losing my arm, killing Ka-"
"He caused the attack," her hands had ceased and Malik actually found himself wanting to groan and be at her mercy just so she would continue. He nodded her head as he watched her seem to battle something in her own mind as she continued to gently massage his stump, undoing knots in tendons and muscles that had been there for a very long time.
And then Malik realized what exactly it was that he had said, "Your brother and mother."
Nodding her head, Nadia asked in a whisper, "Am I a monster if I say if none of that happened…I would have never met you?"
"No," Malik said after a pause, smiling a bit, "it's odd and sad that certain events had to transpire in order for us to even know the other existed."
Once she was finished, she released her grip on him and rose from where she had knelt beside him, and then returned to finish her work in the other room.
The last place I want to be is in Jerusalem, Altair grumbled in his head as he roughly loaded his mare. The horse whinnied in protest, fidgeting in her stall and shooting Altair a sort of glare as Altair continued to pack for his journey. The mare finally having enough reared her head back and nipped at Altair to the point where the assassin had to jump out of the way or be bitten.
"Hey," Altair shouted back at the horse, the mare whinnied in response as though to shout back in retaliation. Altair huffed as he checked his newly acquired equipment; he was practically once more his rightful rank again. But Malik would be quick to shoot down the assassin. And he has every right to, Altair sighed as he felt the familiar guilt eating at his stomach for what he had done, he couldn't apologize for what he had done, it was impossible for Altair. So how did he communicate his deepest apologies for what he had done? No, it was just better to push away the guilt and continue having his brother hate him, Altair deserved it and he definitely did not deserve forgiveness.
He finished packing, a bit gentler because he was going a bit slower, hoping to prolong having to ride out to Jerusalem. He finally opened the gate for his mare to walk out, guiding her outside; she obediently followed, pushing her head against his back in some way to comfort him. Altair rubbed her head in gratitude and then climbed up, "it's going to be more dangerous, you know. Templars will notice me almost immediately now with everything I have done." His horse gave a snort as though to challenge his words and Altair smiled before kicking her into a trot and weaving through the city of Masyaf and on the road once more.
His ride would be anything but uneventful, the moment he had leaped over the gate and into open territory, guards were immediately on Altair. A few times he had to race up eagle points just to get away and then quickly to a leap of faith. He wasn't out running his opponent, simply trying to keep out of his eye sight. Most days he could make the journey in just one full day, but Altair had packed accordingly as the fights had slowed him down tremendously. He removed his horse's reigns, not worried about her running away, and set up camp. The horse grazed lazily and eagerly ate apples that Altair set out for her, snorting her appreciation before laying down beside him and settling for the night. Altair used the horse's saddle as a pillow, leaning against it as he stared into the little fire he had made, nothing big enough to cause unwanted attention.
"Malik, Malik, slow down-"
"Have you not done enough already," Malik had yelled at Altair, it was shortly after Solomon's temple, Malik's arm was heavily bandaged and by the looks of it painful as Malik continued to pack, "I thought I had made it very clear of what I thought of you when we spoke to Al Mualim."
"You were simply angry," Altair said dismissively, "surely you aren't that mad at me, how was I supposed to-"
"YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, YOU SHOULD HAVE LISTENED," Malik back handed Altair roughly, the ex-Master Assassin stood frozen as Malik shoved the last items into a bag and threw it over his good shoulder, "I warned you, Altair. But your arrogance got the best of you. You are not my brother anymore, Altair."
Altair moved out of his way as he moved out of the way, but he would not give the wounded assassin peace as he followed after him, "Not in arms, but surely still in blood. Malik! Don't act like you're the only one hurt by Kadar's de-"
"Don't you dare," Malik stopped, turning on Altair so fast that Altair thought he was going to be hit again, but Malik didn't, "you have no right to speak his name, you have no right to mourn his death, you lost that right when you threw both of us to those Templar dogs! You didn't have to watch him die, Altair, completely helpless-" he balled his fist and looked like he might hit Altair again before he returned to leaving the guarded castle, "leave me be, Altair."
"Brother-"
"Do not call me that," Malik warned.
"Malik-"
"I SAID LEAVE ME," Malik yelled, this time not turning to face him but yelling over his shoulder, "OR WILL YOU NOT EVEN GIVE ME THE LUXURY OF ALLOWING FOR ME TO LEAVE IN PEACE? ARE YOU THAT SELFISH?"
Altair was truly hurt, though he didn't show it. Malik had been the parents that Altair never had, the older man had looked out for him and Kadar on that farm. The three would run in the sun and wrestle, Altair could never imagine a time when Malik had turned his back on Altair, and the sight of the man's retreating form was like a stab in the back more than anything else. What hurt more was that he realized that Malik truly wanted him dead, one life for another.
Grey eyes opened once more, the twittering of birds in the early dawn had woken the assassin almost immediately. He rose from his slumber; the fire had gone out some time last night. He stretched his legs slightly stiff from the journey yesterday, his back cracked loudly in protest as he leaned back as well. His horse was already up, snoozing while standing, apparently had woken some time ago. The mare looked to her rider though the moment he had gotten up. Altair rubbed her fur in greeting before he grabbed the saddle and placed it on his horse once more, she fed her more apples, which she eagerly ate and then shook her main as he rubbed her ears. He smiled, Malik used to say that he took care of his horse better than he took care of most people.
"Come, we have a long journey," Altair said as he got onto the mare with ease and then led her back out to the country. The ride was a bit more relaxed, there wasn't as much conflict because the early dawn made it hard to recognize who Altair was, and most guards were tired or switching shifts and were not paying as much attention as they should. The cloud coverage helped as well, but Altair didn't like traveling in the rain too much and so pushed his horse, encouraging her to keep a brisk pace even when Altair lowered his head to hide himself in plain sight in front of the guards.
By the time he arrived in Jerusalem it was pouring. Jerusalem rarely got any rain, but when it did rain, it poured. Altair grumbled in dislike as he put his horse in a stable first, making certain she would be well cared for during his absence and then went to work, blinding in with monks to walk straight past the guards. His reputation seemed to have followed him here, as guards were suspicious from him from the very start.
Finally, he managed to arrive to the bureau relatively unharmed. He pulled away the tarp that Malik or the woman might have put up, to stop the rain from flooding the bureau. He dropped down and repositioned the tarp and shook himself of water, he was soaking wet. He yanked off his hood before pausing as he heard something rather odd.
Malik was giving soft groaning noises. Altair furrowed his brow, torn between curiosity to see and turning and exiting the bureau. But it was raining. "Right there," a feminine voice suddenly asked and Malik eagerly agreed and encouraged her to keep going. "Just like that". Altair finally couldn't take it anymore as he carefully approached the doorway and examined what was going on…
Nadia, the woman, was massaging Malik's stump, Malik looked to be like he was having the time of his life. When had the two gotten close enough that Malik would allow someone to touch his stump? He thought of bursting in and offering a snide comment, but he simply pushed his back against the wall and decided that being silent would be best. He walked back towards the entrance and this time simply stood there, waiting for the groans to stop.
"Safety and peace, Malik," Altair said after waiting a couple minutes after Malik had thanked Nadia.
"Were it that the city was possessed of either. Why do you trouble me today," Malik snapped back, his attitude had not improved at all and suddenly Altair wished he had taken the opportunity to best Malik and burst in when he was in obvious pain and vulnerability.
He opted to simply just tell him why he was there, "Al Mualim has marked Majd Addinf or death. What can you tell me about him?"
Altair's gaze landed on the woman as she entered the room with tea and offered Altair a towel, he thought of dismissing her but he saw the careful way that Malik was looking at him. Instead he took it and nodded his thanks, his politeness towards the woman was rewarded, "Salahuddin's absence has left the city without a proper leader, and Majd Addin has appointed himself to play the part. Fear and intimidation get him what he wants. He has no true claim to the position."
"That ends today," Altair stated calmly after wiping the rain off of him and dabbing at his soaked robes, Nadia retreated out of the room to give the two men some privacy once more.
"You speak too readily," Malik scolded him, "This is not some slaver we're discussing. He rules Jerusalem and is well protected because of it. I suggest you plan your attack carefully, get to better know your prey."
"With your help I will," Altair assured without even thinking of his words, "Where would you have me begin my search?"
"What's this? You're actually asking for my assistance instead of demanding it. I'm impressed," Malik didn't wait to mock Altair, and once more he wished he had taken his chance to burst in on Malik and humiliate him.
"Be out with it," Altair said, his tone warning Malik.
Malik shrugged his right shoulder; Altair's gaze fell to the hidden stump as the guilty cloud started to weigh bricks in his stomach. He kept his face neutral though and focused on the Dai's words, "As you wish. Here's where I would look. First, to the southwest near the mosque. After that, head south of here. There are two locations that might interest you. The southernmost church is one. The other is in the streets, near a synagogue."
"Thank you for the help, Dai," Altair said respectively.
Malik glared, "don't foul this, Altair."
With that, Altair left, no longer wanting to be mocked by the bureau leader if possible. Malik looked after Altair, he had grown a lot, not even a jab was given or thrown back at Malik. Part of him was angry if Altair felt that he should just take it, that he should just roll over and take Malik's mockery out of pity. "Stupid man," Malik said as Nadia re-entered the room after hearing Altair leave.
"Do you think he is sorry for what he did," Nadia asked him gently, worried the subject might upset Malik again.
The Dai looked to her for a moment and heaved a sigh, "I think he feels guilty, yes. And he deserves it."
Nadia knew what she was about to say was like tip-toing on egg shells, "do you think anyone truly deserves that, Malik?"
"He broke the tenants," Malik objected.
"He broke them, but he is obviously working to redeem himself," Nadia said.
"Redeem himself only so that he can bare his rank once more," Malik said with disdain.
Nadia nodded her head, "or to redeem himself to you."
"Doubtful," Malik said.
"You really think so," Nadia asked with an innocence that was truly questioning if he believed that himself. Malik frowned and turned away from her, focusing on his work as she moved around the counter and pressed herself against him, hands wrapped around his middle as he continued to scribble in his book in preparation of Altair's return. "Sometimes it's hardest to forgive someone without them asking for that forgiveness," Nadia whispered against his back.
Malik frowned a bit at that, but nodded his head to show her that he understood. Just how Altair had stood before him and took Malik's harsh words without a single comeback showed that the man was changing, but there was still this doubt and worry that he was simply doing it out of guilt or pity. He wanted Malik to change because he knew what he had done was wrong, and Malik worried that if he did offer the man forgiveness, his arrogance would quickly return and once more Altair would be the man that Malik did not know. He wasn't certain if he could go through that a second time, watching his brother in arms and bond changing into a person that not even Malik recognized.
The Dai heaved a sigh as he looked to the doorway where Nadia was often in, doing some sort of work just as much as Malik. He wanted to close his book and stash away his notes and just be in there with Nadia, her very presence was soothing and calming to Malik, even if she asked the oddest of questions or said the strangest things, the innocence that poured from her mouth was much enjoyable.
Altair would finish, a bit in a bad mood of all the work that had to be done in order to better understand his prey, but he was slowly learning the advantage of seeking this knowledge himself than getting it from a Dai. As he dropped into the bureau, he could only hear the scrapping of a quill across parchment, Altair entered the bureau leader's room and immediately his gaze fell to the empty sleeve that blew in a gentle breeze.
"What news, novice," Malik's sharp tongue cut him off of his train of thought.
"I am not a novice," Altair argued.
Malik didn't even look up from his writing, "a man's skill is defined by his actions, not the markings on his robe."
"We can trade barbs, or do Al Mualim's work. It's your decision." Altair glared, his foul mood only growing worse with the blows.
"Then be out with it," Malik snapped impatiently, finally tearing his eyes away from his work and onto Altair. And once more Altair felt as though Malik wanted nothing more than for Altair to burn into a flame right on the spot underneath the furious Dai's gaze. You deserve this and much worse, though. Years you will harbor this guilt, and it's all because you wouldn't heed his warnings, Altair's mind persisted as he finally shook his head and went on.
"Jerusalem Regent, Majd Addin is holding a public execution not far from here. It's sure to be well guarded but it's nothing I can't handle. I know what to do," Altair assured, feeling a bit confident in his report.
But his report didn't appear to be satisfactory for the bureau leader, "And that is why you remain a novice, in my eyes. You cannot know anything, only suspect. You must expect to be wrong, to have overlooked something. Anticipate, Altair. How many times must I remind you of this?" When Altair had spoken of his plan so certainly, Malik feared that the execution just might turn into a Solomon's Temple yet again, his arrogance always lingering in the back of his mind, and where did this arrogance even come from?
"As you wish," was Altair's only response to Malik's harsh tone, and he couldn't hold back as he asked, "Are we done?" The assassin wanted nothing more to be out of the Dai's presence, the sight of the man's missing arm was still painful to even look at.
"Not quite. There is one more thing. One of the men to be executed is a brother, one of us. Al Mualim wishes for him to be saved. Do not worry about the actual rescue; my men will take of that. But you must ensure Majd Addin does not take his life," Malik explained, thinking of the novice that had not heeded his warning. Arrogance was truly a dangerous foe for those within the Order.
"I won't give him the chance."
"So I hope," Malik sighed, producing a feather once more, and saying nothing more to Altair. Said assassin goes into the garden to rest before the execution, sitting close to the small fountain and close to the entrance.
Nadia entered the room, glanced at Malik calmly and then moved into the garden and approached Altair calmly, "anything I can get for you, assassin?"
Telling me how to win Malik's forgiveness would be a good start, Altair thought to himself, he looked at her carefully and then his gaze fell to a small hickey on her neck. She was not wearing her headdress and so it was very apparent, she seemed to realize where his gaze was as she quickly pulled her hair over her shoulder to hide it. A blush was evident on her cheeks as she looked to now be wishing she hadn't offered at all, it was their custom for the woman to service a guest. Does she have a suitor now? No, she wouldn't look so embarrassed…would she? Altair watched her for a long time, sort of enjoying her fidgeting in front of him as he examined her further.
"Nothing, thank you," she nodded her head and Altair watched her practically run from the garden. Altair merely grinned, how interesting.
My dear father,
Forgive my impatience and my persisting nature, but as I wrote in my last letter, I would not have asked you to return to me if it wasn't of the upmost importance. Be kind to your daughter and please send a letter with some sort of response. I will try not to send another.
Love,
Nadia
There was nothing more thrilling to the great Altair than killing. He could not imagine doing anything else with his life besides pouncing on helpless guards and shoving his blade into the templar's neck as he unseathed his sword and turned to the other guards to take them on. Most assassin's would run, hide, become anonymous once more and then simply return to the bureau. But not Altair, if he was going to fend off any guards, he might as well as kill them all.
One guard lunged forward, a poor mistake as Altair side stepped and shoved his sword backwards, impaling the man and then yanking his weapon free to other guards. The crowd had dispersed long after Altair had pounced onto the stage, like a lioness pouncing on the back of a large wildebeest. Altair was hardly out of breath, but he could see the guard's getting nervous and edgy, some had already ran off long ago. When his blade had tasted the blood of the last guard, Altair calmly walked away from the scene, ducking into an alleyway and keeping to the shadows and rooftops to avoid detection once more. He dropped down in the bureau once more, the fight putting him in a good mood.
"Jerusalem needs a new ruler," Altair stated simply, handing the feather to Malik.
Malik took the feather and placed it in his book, "So I have heard."
Altair stayed where he was for a moment and finally cocked a brow in question, "What's this? No words of wisdom for me? Surely I have failed in some spectacular fashion.
"You performed as an Assassin should, no more, no less," Altair listened intently, but he couldn't even hear the slightest tone of begrudging or disdain in the ex-Master Assassin's voice, "That you expect praise for merely doing as told however, troubles me."
The cowl hid his eye roll, and Altair was thankful for it as he knew very well that the Dai could still throw things at him, "It seems everything I do troubles you."
"Reflect on that," Malik said calmly, "but do so on your way back to Masyaf. Your work here is done."
"I had these clean for you, Assassin Al-Sayf mentioned that the Templars were keeping an eye out on you," Nadia said, "bloody robes will certainly draw suspicion."
Altair took the white robes, he saw in his peripheral how Malik was watching him carefully. He wasn't used to thanking woman for doing labor work, such as washing his spare robes to be certain for travel, but something told Altair that if he didn't speak up soon, the Dai's impassive mood would quickly turn sour. "Thank you, Nadia."
"Are you leaving," she asked him abruptly as he had turned to leave. He looked to Malik as though to silently ask him 'what's with this woman?' He nodded. She turned to Malik, "could we follow him out and possibly ride Dima?"
"Who's Dima," Altair asked in confusion. Did Malik really keep the mare that I had given him when we were novices? He looked to Malik as though for an explanation or an answer to his thought.
Malik didn't respond to him, nor did he look ashamed as he responded calmly, writing in his book, "Altair does not want either of us bothering him."
"Please," Nadia asked, moving up to the counter top.
"Nadia, he doesn't-"
"I would not mind," Altair suddenly said, Malik was able to control his surprise with a glare, while Nadia cheered happily and rushed into her closet to retrieve her headdress. Malik gave him a questioning look, but Altair said nothing as he used the Dai's private quarters to change and then packed up his sullied robes. He honestly wanted to see the mare himself, curious if he actually kept the horse or not.
The trio left, guards glanced towards them, their eyes landing on Altair immediately and sometimes the assassin was forced to blend in with Nadia and Malik or sit on a bench while the two walked ahead. Soon the three were outside of the grounds though, Nadia ran ahead to the stables excitedly, the two assassins said nothing. Nadia had spoke endless chatter to the two the entire way, the silence that now rang out between the two was practically deafening. Apologize. Speak. Say something, you idiot. Altair's own mind yelled at him, but his ego would not take the hit of being the one to apologize to Malik, he ground his teeth together as he entered the stables just as Nadia moved the horse out into the corral.
Altair grabbed his own horse, checking his supplies for his journey back and making certain that she was not hungry before grabbing the reins and walking with his own mare on the outside of the wooden fence. He approached Malik, his horse bobbing beside him as he walked until Altair stood next to Malik.
Silence once more.
Altair recognized the brown mare that happily galloped underneath Nadia, taking to the girl's orders with ease. The assassin broke the silence, "you kept her."
Malik tensed a bit, forcing himself not to look at Altair as he simply stated, "she's a good horse."
"I thought you would have sold her," Altair admitted, he didn't look at Malik either. If anyone were to look upon them, they would appear to be more of talking to themselves; they weren't close to each other at all, both were tense, and neither were looking at the other.
"Why sell a good horse," Malik said through a sigh as though this was reason enough to keep a horse, which it truly was.
"Because I gave her to you," Altair stated simply.
Malik fell silent, not having a clever retort to say, he simply said, "Masyaf is a long way away."
Altair looked at Malik calmly, finally looking at him. Malik's gaze was fixated on Dima…but no, Altair looked again, it was on Nadia who had gotten off the horse and was now playing a childish game of tag. "You love her?"
"Return to the mentor like the lapdog you are, novice," Malik spoke quickly, now glaring at Altair.
He opened his mouth to retort, to say something more, but instead settled for climbing onto his horse, "safety and peace, Malik."
"I shall have both when I can no longer see you."
Malik didn't watch, his gaze fixated on Nadia, his anger ebbing away. His shoulders slackened, "Alt-"
"Hyah," Altair had already kicked his horse after getting comfortable in the saddle, his horse obeyed, shooting off and away from Malik. The Dai watched the retreating form, huffing a sigh as he rested his arm on the corral and rubbed his forehead as though to rub away his thoughts.
A furry face pressed against his hand, Dima nickering kindly. Malik rubbed her nose soothingly as Nadia pranced over to Malik, but her grin fell the moment she saw the somber expression on Malik's face. "What's wrong?"
Malik looked to her, Nadia's face contorted in concern and immediately the one-armed male felt his gloom ebb away as he smiled kindly, "nothing. We should return home before it gets too dark out, Addin's reign may be no more, but there are still idiots that run around at night."
Nadia nodded in agreement, taking Dima back to the stables and then following after Malik calmly. There was a silence for a moment, and then Nadia asked one of her infamous, random questions…
"Why are there stars at night, but not in the day?"
