A/N: -Asking nicely per request of Melodia-
Estrella: Um…Altaïr?
Altaïr: -raises eyebrow-
Estrella: Will you…be mine? Just for a little while? I'll give you back to your ah…owners.
Altaïr: We'll see. -pats her on the head and walks away-
Estrella: -drools- He touched me… -faints-
Confusing Events
I waited on the soft cushions, staring up into the night sky through the lattice. Altaїr was inside with Malak, getting his arm bandaged and fixed up. Apparently I was now trusted enough that I could know where the 'assassin's bureau' is in Jerusalem. And I'm sure this is the place Father is looking for. Not that I would ever tell him. Hell, I probably couldn't find it again. It was so dark and Altaїr had been moving so quickly I couldn't take any of it in. So I just stayed where he threw me down and tried not to fall asleep.
"Are you comfortable enough?" a deep voice asked from my right. I blinked and looked over at the tall, muscular man standing in the doorway. Malak.
"Yes, thank you." I said sleepily, sitting up. He walked over and sunk to his knees beside me. It seemed to be a theme among Altaїr's people to wear hoods that covered their features, so all I could see of his face was a bit of beard and thin lips.
"And, though Altaїr is not my favorite person," Malak said slowly, staring intently at the cushion before him, "I must thank you for making him come to me. The wound he has received is very grave, and could have been fatal. The idiot is always too stubborn for his own good."
"Yeah, no kidding," I yawned, "I don't see why he doesn't take care of himself. I guess he is stupid that way. Thinking he has to follow me home all the time…"
"Well, he has to," Malak chuckled. I glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, earning a smile, "He has orders to keep you safe. He must be with you when you venture out into dangerous areas."
I laughed at that, "No wonder he hates me so much. He's stuck with me."
"No," he said seriously, shaking his head, "on the contrary, my child."
"…what do you mean?" my eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Altaїr respects your greatly. He may not ever admit that aloud, but I can tell that he finds you to be an honorable person."
"You've got to be kidding me!" I giggled.
"No, I am not." Malak smiled at me and rose to his feet, "He complains about what you have said, done, and just you in general. He will not speak of someone, especially negatively and to me, unless he finds them worthy of his attention. So do not let his harsh attitude and words distress you."
"But I heard you two arguing a lot." I pointed out. He stopped just before the doorway and glanced over his shoulder at me, frowning.
"Altaїr and I have a…special relationship. It is too complicated to explain to your right now."
I opened my mouth to ask a question but stopped when the devil himself appeared before us inside the dark building. His dark hair was partially plastered to his head while the rest of it stuck up in a wet mass. Drops of water clung to his bare, muscular chest, which was etched with scars. The ugly wound on his shoulder was bleeding slowly, the red liquid running down his trunk to soak into the towel around his waist. "Stop talking about me," he commanded in a monotonous voice. "I'm ten feet away, so don't pretend I can't here you."
My mouth fell open for a second and I snapped it shut quickly, looking away awkwardly while Malak laughed. "Careful, dog, you may scare the poor girl with your disgusting looks and attitude."
"Shut up Malak," I heard the mostly naked assassin snap before walking away. I played with the tasseled edge of a pillow while Malak followed his 'friend' back inside to help him dress the wound. I hadn't realized Altaїr had been bathing. And GOD why was my face getting hot? There's no legit reason for me to be blushing. Except me seeing a mostly naked man. Argh! I thought, beating myself mentally, Do NOT imagine him in the nude.
"Oh, Jesus above, save me," I muttered, falling back on the pillows. What would mother think if she saw me in this awkward predicament?
Someone was poking me. I batted away their hand and rolled over, squeezing my eyelids together harder when bright sunlight burned through the darkness. Burying my head in the soft cushions, I sighed and tried to sleep again. So exhausted…and then the poking turned into a slap on the back of the head.
"STOP it, Biyya!" I groaned. Another slap to the head.
"Can it, woman," Altaїr growled, "Wake up."
"No…" I whined and ignored him.
Wait.
Him?
Altaїr?
I sat up straight, wide awake, "What are you doing in my…oh shit."
Altaїr gazed at me lazily from his position on the cushions, all dressed up in fresh white clothes. I so wasn't home. I was at the bureau. And it was morning. Late morning, none the less. I leapt to my feet, the front of my disdasha sticking to my chest and belly. I looked down and cursed. Altaїr's blood had soaked into the cloth last night, and I hadn't ever realized it. I looked up at him with a panicked expression, "I have to get home! NOW!"
"Fine," he smiled and laid back, "Go then."
I looked around for a way out. The only place I could see was to scale the wall and exit through an opening in the lattice. Snatching up my shemgah and putting it on haphazardly, I ran and climbed up the wall. I had just reached the top when Altaїr spoke.
"You know, it's going to take you forever to find the fastest route home." I froze as his words sank in.
That bastard.
He knew that I had no clue where we were and that, though I could probably see the palace from the roof-top, it would take me ages to find a quick way home. He was making me ask for help!
Payback.
It was payback for last night. The idiot had figured me out. I hate having to ask for help. I'm independent and asking him for help was the last thing I wanted to do. But…
I eased my way down and walked over to him. I stared down at him, showing no emotions whatsoever, "Take me home, Altaїr."
I saw a flash of disappointment cross his face before he stood. Ha. I win. I didn't actually ask. AND I didn't argue. I smirked at him and waited for him to get up. Instead of standing, he swept his foot out and tried to knock me over. It worked, partially, but as I fell I used the momentum to flip over backwards and land in a crouch. I squeaked when Altaїr loomed above me, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. He grabbed my wrist and threw me over his shoulder. I punched him in the kidneys but he ignored me and climbed up the wall with ease.
"You're an asshole!" I yelled before I could stop myself. He laughed loudly and ran from roof-top to roof-top, definitely not being gentle with me. The view from my angle was sickening, so I had to close my eyes and pretend I was elsewhere. Soon enough, however, Altaїr came to a halt. I opened my eyes, "FINALLY!"
He set me down somewhat gently and looked around. We were right under my balcony. "You can go now," I informed him before looking up and calling out, "BIYYA!"
"Are you sure everything is as it should be?" he asked in an odd voice. I looked at him curiously after Biyya had exclaimed and went to get the ladder. He shook his head at me, "I'm not sure what exactly, but something feels off."
The ladder tumbled down beside me. "Whatever you say, Altaїr," I started to climb up, then stopped to look at him, "Erm…thanks, I guess. For last night, and then this morning. And thanks for listening to me."
"Yeah." He turned and hurried away before calling softly over his shoulder, "Take care, Nadra."
I shook my head and continued up the ladder. Before I'd even swung my legs over I was pulled into a mind boggling, lung crushing embrace. "Biiiiyyya!" I managed to choke out, "T-too tight!!"
"My apologies, Lamya," she whispered and immediately released me, "Buy you had me worried! It's been very difficult keeping your disappearance a secret! What on earth happened to you, child?! You're covered in blood!"
I waved a hand dismissively, "I'll tell you later, I need to get cleaned up right now and go see Mother so she stops pestering you. Will you help me draw a bath and get fixed up?"
Biyya grabbed my arm and swung me around, giving me a stern look, "Only if you tell me what is going on."
"Fine." I rolled my eyes. And so I told her everything that happened. It took me the entire bath time, hair-fixing time, and dressing time to explain everything and answer her questions. When I had finished, we sat in my lounging area. I waited while she stared off into space.
"You are in trouble, my dear," she said softly.
"I know," I sighed with a smile. I didn't mind getting in trouble. It made my life more interesting.
-knock knock knock-
"Well then." I muttered and stood, making my way to the door. I had barely begun to pull on it when whoever it was wanting to enter threw it all the way open. I jumped back before I could be slammed into the wall and stared into my father's angry face. Oh no.
"WHERE have you been all morning?!" he bellowed.
I shrank back and thought of what to say. Biyya came to my rescue, "Sleeping sir, like I said. She hasn't been feeling well."
"I wasn't talking to you, Jathibiyya," Father's eyes flickered behind me before coming back to my face, "You, Lamya, get down stairs now. Put on a shemgah. You are to spend the day with Ghalib. Understand? He is in the main hall. Go."
I nodded, not wanting to upset him further. Besides, I figured I could help out Altaїr that way. Waving goodbye to Biyya, I slipped past my father, down the hall, and into the main hall. Ghalib bowed low and graceful, "It is good to see you well enough to join me."
"Yeah, whatever," I mumbled before remembering my 'mission'. Oops. I grinned at him, "I—I mean yes! Of course! Me too. I think we'll have an…enjoyable time, today."
"Indeed," he smiled and offered his arm. I tried not to make a face as I took it and allowed him to lead me out the front doors.
"Where are we going?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"I thought we might go for a ride in the surrounding country and then have a picnic dinner." He replied happily, leading me towards the stables. Dinner?
"What time is it?" I asked suddenly.
"An hour or so past noon, why?" he looked at me curiously and I just shook my head. How Biyya kept my parents away from my room so long was beyond me. Though she and Father seemed to have some sort of understanding. I had actually seen her talk back to him once. Yeah, I know. Nerves of steel, I tell you.
When we reached the stables, I graciously let Ghalib help me saddle and mount up, even though it annoyed the hell out of me. I even let him lead the way out of the city and into the open, chattering on with him about random topics. I don't even know what we talked about, it was so boring. Weather or something. For three hours we rode around the outskirts Jerusalem, taking in the sites. I was perfectly fine with this; I love riding, especially in the country. It's so relaxing…but if only Ghalib was elsewhere. Like in the bottom of the ocean. I smiled at the mental image I got from that thought.
"Something amusing you?" Ghalib asked suddenly, pulling his horse up close to mine. I patted Abital when she nipped angrily at Ghalib's bay.
"Uh…" I glanced away in mock embarrassment as we made our way up the sloping mountain-side, "No, I'm just enjoying this so much."
Blech.
"Shall we stop hear for our supper, then?" he asked a few minutes later when we reached a lovely grassy area under a large tree. It over looked the city and was actually very pleasant. And, if there weren't several guards twenty yards behind us, I probably would have arranged for Ghalib to 'accidentally' fall over the edge of the cliff. I nodded and dismounted, removing Abital's bridle and saddle so she could graze and relax. My companion, on the other hand, simply tied up his horse, not even leaving enough slack for him to reach the grass. I sighed angrily and, as Ghalib set up the picnic, untied the bay gelding and removed the bridle.
"What are you doing?" Ghalib asked, coming over to watch me remove the horse's saddle. I felt my anger growing at his condescending tone.
"What does it look like?" I almost snapped, then forced myself to relax, "The horses need a rest."
"Well, they'll leave," he laughed, as if I was a stupid child. I ignored him for a bit and carefully set down the saddle and bridle in a neat pile. Then I stood and patted the gelding's neck, murmuring to him in soft Arabic. I could feel Ghalib's eyes on my back as I gave the horses instructions. If he had laughed I probably would have decked him. But he didn't, thankfully. In fact, when I sent the horse over to where Abital was eating and turned back to him, he was looking at me with something close to admiration.
"The horses really listen to you," he made it a statement, not a question. I answered anyway.
"Yes. I've made sure to spend as much time as possible with each mount. They all know and respect me, as I do them," I sat down as daintily as possible on the blanket, "Horses are extremely sensitive and intelligent creatures. You must always treat them with love and respect or they will turn on you."
Ghalib sat down beside me and cocked his head curiously, "How old are you again?"
"Seventeen," I answered automatically and picked up a mango to slice.
"You seem much older."
"Great!" I laughed sarcastically and fixed the mango into two separate portions. I love how juicy they are.
"No, it was meant as a compliment," he picked up one of the pieces and popped it into his mouth. "I honestly forgot your age for a moment, and thought you older than I."
I raised and eyebrow, "And what would that be, my lord?"
"Twenty-two. And don't call me that."
"Aye-aye," I flinched, realizing that I had to start thinking before opening my mouth. I'm always getting myself in trouble that way. But, instead of being reprimanded, Ghalib simply chuckled and selected a piece of bread and cheese, handing me half of each. We ate in silence for a while and I couldn't take it anymore.
"So why are you spending so much time with my father?" I didn't expect him to share too much with me, but I was hoping he'd tell me something. Even with my doubt, though, I batted my eyelashes. Pssshya. Like that ever works.
"Well…" he looked off into the sky, "Your father and I are working together to put a stop to a pesky group of assassins in the area."
"Assassins?" my eyes grew wide.
"Yes. They are killing off the leaders of the cities and must be stopped," he took a gargantuan bite from the bread and cheese, waiting to swallow before speaking again, "We're getting closer. They have a bureau in Jerusalem, and we're narrowing it down. I believe we'll find it soon."
"Goody," I laughed nervously. Ghalib looked at me oddly.
"In fact…perhaps you can help me," I blinked at him and he just smiled, "I know you spend a lot of time in the Poor District. Perhaps you can investigate a bit for me and dig up some useful information."
I glanced away, wondering why everyone was coming to me for information. "Lamya," I looked back at him, "There will be something in it for you."
"And what would that be?" I asked suspiciously.
Ghalib took my hand and leaned in close, "Your father irritates you, I know. You find him to be insufferable. He knows that. He is very tough on you and I can take that away," I raised an eyebrow at him and he kissed my hand. Uh-oh. "Lamya, I would be honored to take you as my wife. You wouldn't have to do anything but be happy. I'd build you a lavish farm outside Damascus where you could live as long as you want and ride horses every day. I would leave you to yourself for as much as possible. I can offer you an escape from this hell-hole. I can make your life bliss."
I looked away and chewed my bottom lip. If only it were that easy. But Altaïr said I couldn't marry him. I didn't want to marry him. I knew he and my father were up to something. And yet the offer sounded slightly appealing. I resisted the urge to shake my head and looked back at him, "Ghalib, you are very kind, and that is a wonderful proposal, but I'm just not sure yet. Please, let me think on your words."
"Of course," Ghalib dropped my hand and went back to his food.
The rest of the evening was simple enough, though he didn't talk as much. Was I supposed to bend to his each and every word? Was that what he expected? Oh well. We finished our meal and made our way back to Jerusalem. The whole way back I wondered if I should go to the well or courtyard and try to contact Altaïr or not.
The tiny courtyard was mostly dark, though the sun wouldn't set for another hour. Regardless, I hated it. I like the dark, usually, but for some reason that particular area was not a good place to be in the dark. Or at least that's what I felt. I sat down on the edge of the fountain and drew my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around my legs to wait. I really didn't know if he would even show or not, seeing as he hadn't instructed me to come, but I felt I should try. What Ghalib had said to me was strange. And I was perplexed as to why he told me so much so quickly.
"Is something wrong, Nadra?" a voice asked softly from behind me. I stood quickly and turned to see Altaïr materialize from the shadows and make his way to me.
"I need to talk to you," I said simply and shrugged, "Nothing's wrong…just…well I'm a bit confused." I sat down on the ledge and sighed. God, I'm tired. Altaïr sat down beside me.
"What happened?"
I told him about my evening with Ghalib and what he had told me about searching out the assassins. I sensed him tense beside me, and realized something.
"Altaïr?"
"Hm?"
"You do understand that I know you're an assassin, right?" My words were greeted by silence, so I continued, "I mean, I've been working it out since that first day you saved me from those idiotic guards. And for some reason, as I figured it out, it didn't bother me. But now…I just don't know. Are you and your…'brothers', or whatever you call them, working for good? Do you kill just to kill or do you take on contracts?"
"Now is not the time for that." he finally mumbled.
"I need to know," I said angrily, standing up to pace. I was so confused. I heard him sigh in the growing dark.
"We take orders from our Master. He tells us who to eliminate and why. It is always because of the target's wrong-doings. So I wouldn't call us evil. But I wouldn't call us good either," I glanced at him. He shrugged and stood, rotating his injured shoulder, "That is all I will say right now."
"Fine," I sighed, not one-hundred percent happy with his explanation.
"When is your father going to announce your engagement?" he asked suddenly.
"I don't know," I groaned, not wanting to think about it, "At the end of the week, I guess. Ugh…"
"That is not good," he said thoughtfully, "If we cannot stop them soon, you will have to leave."
"Say what?" I turned and stared at him.
"You heard me, Nadra," he waved his hand dismissively, "You know you can't marry him, so you may have to go into hiding for a bit."
"I don't want to go into hiding," I pointed out, "And why do you call me Nadra?"
"Because it is your name," he said as if I was blind and stupid, "And it doesn't matter what you want. If you have to, you will go into hiding. Even if I have to kidnap you."
"What?!"
"Actually," he added as an afterthought, "That may work very well."
"Um, okay first off, my name is Lamya," I laughed in a snotty manner, "And second, I am not going anywhere with you."
"Hm. Well, I don't like Lamya. Nadra suits you better. And it is one of your names," he stretched a bit and turned to go, "I'll have some more information for you later. Your attitude deters me from telling you right now. And you're wrong. I can be very persuasive."
"Yeah, sure," I rolled my eyes, getting very angry, "I'm telling you right now, I will not go into hiding, and I will never go anywhere with you against my will."
He waved his hand back at me and slipped down one of the shadowed alleys. "And stop calling me Nadra, you asshole!" I called after him, shaking my fists in the air. A low chuckle floated out to me and I turned on my heel, stomping back to the main street, angrier than ever. The nerve of that man! Who is he to think what he says is law! Well, I'd show him! There was no way on God's green earth I would go into hiding, especially with the likes of him!
A/N: Yay! A longer chappie! Please tell me what you think! I loooooove to hear from you guys! And check out my poll, I'm going to be closing it sometime next week! (week of April 21-25, one of those days)
Heh, and I sooo had to restrain myself with the horsie talk. I'm so excited right now cause a friend of mine at work is going away soon and I am going to get to take care of her horse for a week! YAY! So days I don't work I'm gonna go RIDING! Gosh, I have such a passion for riding.
