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Chapter 11
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He is not surprised to find her gone when he opens his eyes.
The spot next to him in the bed is empty. The sheets rumpled, but cold. The ship is still, so they have docked at Acre already.
The slant angle of sunlight proclaims it to be early morning. He rises slowly and silently, shaking out the kinks in his body.
Altair notes the treasure lying undisturbed at the table. Interesting. One explanation he has for Maria's behavior last night was that she had hoped to create an opportunity to steal the Apple of Eden. But since the relic is still here, she has another motive.
He sees her precious ring lying besides it, and begins to feel the start of a headache. The assassin sighs, and proceeds to laboriously don his equipment.
Once outside, he gives a nod to the captain, and pays the rest of agreed fare. He does not need to search through the ship to know that Maria is not there. He knows how that woman thinks.
Just not her intentions.
The Templar's numbers in Acre are now greatly reduced, and they no longer spare the men to guard the rooftops. Altair leaps from building to building. His head is drumming with many questions, and none of them answers. The headache is getting worse.
He must make haste to Masyaf. That is a well-defined and clear objective.
As always when he finds himself in turmoil, he clears his thoughts, and let the soothing wind carry them away.
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The baby is gone. Vanished without a trace.
Maria silently takes in the condition of the room. Cobwebs covering furniture and the dusty corners of the room. No trace of the wet nurse she hired.
Fists clenching so tightly that she might draw blood, the sole female Templar spins on her feet, leaving the desolate scene with a slam of the door.
As she enters the Templar's hold, the guards openly gape at her approaching figure. They have long given her up for dead. A new commander already arrived via ship three weeks ago.
"Lady Maria! We thought- How is-?"
One look at her furious ice-blue eyes immediately silences the sentinels. They salute sharply, and immediately lets her pass.
The men part like waves in front of her. Always giving her a three yard radius. They have worked long enough under her to know not to approach lest they have a death wish.
Unfortunately, the newly hired commander has no such knowledge. He takes in her disheveled appearance, dirtied clothing, and travel-weary face with disdain, and descends the stairs from his office to meet her in the courtyard.
"Oh, so you are alive after all? With all that ruckus in Cyprus that you have caused alongside with the assassin and you still dare to set foot in -" the rest of his words end in a wet gurgle as Maria's blade slices through his jugular. Crimson shoots out in a violent, gory spray, staining her as well as the nearby men. The commander, who she does not even know the name, crumples to the ground. Maria spits on his corpse, and turns to face the crowd.
"Let it be known, that I am not a traitor. At least not to the cause I believe in. The Templar organization that I abandoned my family and homeland for is one which seeks a just and peaceful society. This is not who we are now. Armand Bouchart is the real traitor, and he and his followers has been dealt with appropriately. I have come back to claim what is rightfully mine. To reclaim our lost purpose in the only way possible."
Now she takes a dagger from her side, unsheathes it and in an unwavering voice declares, "You do not have to believe me. If all of you think me as unworthy, then I shall take my own life here and now. You will all be leaderless and free to do as you please. Go home, and reunite with your families. Or stay here and build a new life for yourselves. The choice will be up to you." As the words leave her mouth, the dagger draws closer and closer to her own exposed neck.
"Lady Maria! Please!"
She turns at the voice. It is George, her usual right hand man. He is down on his knees, his eyes beseechingly seeking out hers. With quiet shock, Maria takes in the sight of all the men, with no hesitation at all, bowing and kneeling down on one leg. There is no more question of her authority.
"Very well. I am touched by your loyalty. Someone please get this trash out of my sight, and George, please update me as I clean out the office." Her officer scrambles clumsily to his feet. When they are both out of earshot from the others, he answers her unspoken question without prompting.
"While you were away, Gilbert Horal's men came and took the wet nurse as well as the babe. He is now the current Grand Master of the Templars, and he has left me a letter in case you do come back."
He hands her a single roll of parchment, the melted wax a engraved with the seal of the highest Templar station. She breaks it and reads the paper impatiently. Then reads it again. George's face remains impassive as a few choice words escapes her lips.
"That manipulative bastard," she spits out. Furious, she crumples the letter with one hand throws it across the room. "George, make preparations to leave for France. I need to compose a letter."
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"You wish to see me?"
Malik raises his intent gaze to meet Jin's questioning one.
"Yes," he answers simply. Moments pass as he appraises her silently.
"Well?" Jin cannot hold back any longer.
A sigh escapes from his stern mouth. "I hear you are apprenticed under Shafiq, and is working under him in the infirmary."
She nods in affirmation. "That is my main work and area of expertise. Under my current master I hope to learn all that he is able to teach me about medicine and treating wounds."
"I also hear, that you are a regular visitor at the stables, and by the fifth day you learned how to ride."
She cringes. "Yes, after many falls."
"Lastly, I hear Master Husam has assigned you a teacher, and that you are taking sword lessons almost daily." Jin's immediate grin falters under Malik's disapproving glare.
"Is that a problem?" she ventures.
"I do not recall giving him specific instructions about that matter."
"You never meant for me to become his student," Jin fills in the gaps quickly. Malik is silent.
"He came into the infirmary one day, asking for the antidote for black cobra's venom. One of his apprentices got bitten, and Master Shafiq's antidote required some ingredients that were out of stock. I mixed another version of the antidote for him, and in return, he agreed to take me as a student," she offers as a way of explanation.
Malik exhales slowly. What she says is true. He never did mean for her to be taken under Husam's tutelage. It is just so… unbecoming and unprecedented for a woman to take up a sword. But with her own resources, she nevertheless manages to convince the sword master to take her as a student.
"Remarkable," is all he can manage. Jin looks up at him curiously. "I have truly underestimated your will. So be it Jinan, I see my words will not sway you even if I tried. You may go."
"Thank you," the girl murmurs. She cannot be sure, but she thinks it is respect that is showing on his harsh features. Malik does not smile. At least not sincerely. But the slight twitch on the side of his mouth and the incredulous look in his eyes concedes her the victory even if he will not say it. So like the clear spring breeze, she descends from Malik's office without another word.
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Jin always go to the garden when she has free time. The flowers, the lush greenery, and the small little gazebos always calms and soothes her troubles.
But she has never once visited the garden this late. The silvery moonlight casts long shadows and a night owl hoots into the balmy night air. The noiseless girl makes her way across the wide expanse of grass, and then slows. She can see her usual spot is occupied. By a man and a woman.
Jin shrugs, and follows the another path towards another section of the garden. As she passes by, the hushed voices, or rather, the muffled sounds makes her pause. Jin frowns. She knows what is occurring inside that gazebo, but to be doing such things in public…
"You might want to move along newcomer," a silken voice whispers against her ear.
Jin jumps. She turns and comes face to face with a girl she has never seen before.
She looks so very young, even if there is kohl around her almond-shaped eyes and rouge on her lips. Her hair is uncovered, long black tresses draping over her shoulders. White, translucent clothe wrap seductively around her slender body and a sweet perfume wafts into Jin's nose.
"My name is Yasmin," she says as she grabs Jin's wrist and begins to pull her away, "And my sister will not appreciate us eavesdropping." When they have put some distance between the two lovers, the girl turns to her and asks "What is your name?"
"I go by Jin," Jin answers, "And I am-"
"Altair's woman. Yes, we know," Yasmin smiles knowingly.
"N-no. It is not like that, you misunderstand…" Jin trails off at the look the other girl is giving her.
"Well why else would he request that you be excluded from the Garden and kept out of reach from Lady Zahrah?"
"Who?" Jin asks in a curious voice. The way the girl said 'garden' suggests something more.
Yasmin shoots her a credulous look. "You mean you do not know who she is? She is the head of the Garden and all the Flowers answer to her."
"Garden? Flowers?" Jin echoes back. This is a whole new organization she has not been informed of. The girl in front of her giggles. She has still not released Jin's wrist, and she continues to pull her to another sitting area. Unfortunately for them, it also seems to be occupied.
Yasmin glances at Jin's furious blush, and proclaims, "My, my. You are a virgin! No wonder Master Altair keeps you hidden up in that tower."
Jin gapes at her. The impudent girl has no qualms touching on sensitive subjects. Yasmin continues on casually, ignoring the incredulous look on the other girl's face.
"Our organization is referred to as Garden. Lady Zahrah is our leader. She is the only one we, the Flowers, answer to, and she herself answers to the Master of the Brotherhood. Sometimes. She can be very… persuasive. We are women who have two main purposes: to act as subterfuge for the Brothers in their missions, and to please our men."
The blonde girl stops in her tracks. Yasmin casually turns around. "Why the look? Is it not obvious by now?"
"Like… a brothel?" Jin whispers. At the apparent dismay on Jin's face, Yasmin begins to shake with laughter.
"Oh no! We are so much more respectable than a mere whore. Who we please is to our own choosing. After all, we are already taken care of by our Lady, and although she does teach us various skills and arts, she would never force us to bed others. But what every girl wishes for is to be eventually taken as a bride. Assassins are still men, and all men will eventually want a family. There is no better selection than a girl from the Garden- free of disease and already loyal to the Brotherhood. It is a generous deal for us since we were starving as street urchins or sold from poor families. Our future, because we dedicate our lives to serving the Brotherhood, is brighter in our own hands. Although… many girls are still mourning because you have shattered their dreams," Yasmin replies with a wink.
"How?"
"Why by taking Altair of course! There were so many who wished to catch his eye, but the moment word passed of a girl he brought back from Jerusalem, their hopes were dashed to pieces," Yasmin replies with a even more laughter, a tinkling and not unpleasant sound.
Jin nods slowly. There is much information to digest, and this girl chatters like a sparrow.
"What kind of arts?" Jin inquires warily, the answer already shaping within her mind.
Yasmin giggles, and with a finger on her cherry-colored lips, leads her to the area they just left. Hiding behind a leafy bush, she beckons Jin to take a look. She does, and immediately ducks down. With her face beet red.
"Why are you making me look?" Jin asks in a furious whisper.
"The best way to understand is to see a demonstration. My teacher also did the same. Come, watch carefully. As long as you do not get caught."
Jin hesitantly peeks through the bush again. Forcing herself to look at the couple's lovemaking.
A woman, with her sleek, black hair draping over her naked shoulders is straddling the man. She places heated kisses down his neck, traveling lower until her fingers are fumbling with the man's trousers and her mouth is sucking a nipple through the shirt.
Jin bites down on her lip stop the cry from coming out. She has seen acts of this nature at the brothel too often. But this is different. The woman is in control here. At her merest touch, a slight glance from lowered lashes, and the man under her trembles helplessly. One look at her eyes is proof enough: she is enjoying it.
A completely alien concept for Jin. Bedding a man has always seemed like a job. Something distasteful for the want of a few coins. But having seen this…
Jin turns away abruptly. She is watching a kind of intimacy in which she was not aware of. Even though the couple has no idea of her presence, she suddenly feels so self conscious that she might as well be intruding.
"Where are you going?" Yasmin calls out to her.
Jin retraces the path she came from as fast as she can. Not sparing another glance over her shoulder, her heart is pounding loudly in her chest and she does not know why. She stops at the entrance to the familiar stone building, slowly catching her breath.
"You are so troublesome," huffs an irritated Yasmin, "You are plainly interested in learning about the Garden, and yet you showed such embarrassment and ran away after seeing such a display? That was merely a drop in the ocean."
Jin, tight-lipped and back ramrod straight, walks stiffly under the marble arch.
Yasmin calls out to her retreating back, "The knowledge we can offer you is just as important riding a horse and swordplay. This is something only us women can do, and you will be foolish to pass up this chance! Just think, no matter how patient Master Altair is, he will soon leave you for another woman if you keep him waiting forever!"
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It is high noon when he passes under the gates of Masyaf. Altair notes the passage of time grimly. The spring flowers are already giving way to the sweltering heat of summer. The sun is almost blinding in its radiance, and denizens are walking in light muslim.
As he enters the fortress, the roaring of a crowd draws his attention. Each yell is punctuated with the sharp cry of sword against sword. Altair hastens his pace. Looks like trouble is astir while he was away.
The rabble of men are crowding around the sparring ring, and he easily brushes past them. After maneuvering his way in, Altair takes one look inside the ring, and stops in his tracks.
Jin, wearing nothing but breast bindings and baggy men trousers, faces off against a burly, much taller apprentice. Altair recognizes the boy to be Imad, a dull, slow-witted youth who would have advanced to higher ranks if his brain can grow at the same rate as his muscles.
The crowd cheers every time Jin manages to block a blow, and the men whoop louder when she manages to deal a strike. The two circle each other warily, each not giving ground.
"Looks like a woman will have a better chance at earning the blade than you!" jeers an onlooker. "Watch out! Here comes the man-killer!" The insults were far from being flattering for either of the fighters.
Altair grits his teeth with impatience. He watches with growing fury as she clumsily lunges with her short sword. A growl escapes his lips, and he pulls himself over the fence.
Silence immediately falls upon the rowdy gang at the sight of him. The two sparring in the ring pays him no heed, as they are both too intent on each other's movement. Imad is turning the tide of battle only with his sheer strength and endurance. Jin blocks sluggishly, her arms protesting every time his sword heavily falls upon hers.
Suddenly, her sword unexpectedly flies out of her weary hand, and Jin turns in surprise.
Altair stands behind her, his golden, chilly disapproval lowering the temperature even though the sun is shining warmly.
"Just what. Are. You. Doing," he demands, grinding out each word with angry emphasis.
He takes in the sight of her. Her pale skin gleaming with a sheen of sweat. Blonde, wavy hair, uncovered and tied back, releases tendrils of hair that curl around her face like a vixen. An unprecedented amount of her slender body is showing. His eyes follow a trail of sweat downward, dilating as it traces the contours of her collarbone and disappears down the valley between her breasts.
Altair inhales sharply.
Jin stares wordlessly back, too dazed to form a coherent sentence. It has been weeks and weeks since his departure. She has immersed herself in meaningful work and the rich culture that is the Brotherhood, forcing herself to forget her whole reason for existence.
This man. The one standing in front of her.
Without wasting breath, he clasps her wrist in a death grip, and forcibly yanks her out of the ring. The crowd watches the procession silently. Jin can see fear and anxiety in their faces. She glances up at Altair, takes in his dark and unreadable face, and is suddenly afraid for her own plight.
He does not speak until they are both inside his room. Or rather, her room.
"Let go," she struggles fruitlessly against his grip. He does not.
"Explain." He commands. Terse and ruthless. His sensual mouth set in a grim line. The glare he is giving her is quite unlike she has ever seen. His tawny gaze is positively arctic and it effectively puts an end to her struggling .
Jin inhales deeply. Shamed at her own trembling voice, she answers, "I-I was sparring. The men do not think I am capable of learning swordplay. So...so I set out to prove them wrong."
"And why are you dressed," his hand gestures furiously at her impromptu outfit, "like this?"
Jin looks down at herself, and then glances up at him. "The regular training outfit does not fit me. Besides, it is way too hot to be wearing much clothing. They took off their shirts, I just followed example."
Altair closes his eyes in exasperation.
"I do not see why you are so concerned about such trivial matters. No one dares to touch me for fear of your vengeance. It is my body, and if I choose to expose it, and my scars, then why do you care? Unless…" Jin watches him slyly, "You are jealous?"
A muscle twitches from his clenched jaw. But other than that, Altair remains taciturn.
"From now on, you are not to set foot in the sparring ring unless I tell you to. Do not dare approach men of the Brotherhood. Remember where you are. In an assassin's fortress with many, many dangerous men. Believe me when I say it is in your best interest to stay discrete," Altair glares down at her.
"And be forever ignored and disregarded as a female? I know what they are thinking! They all think I am your concubine, helpless and fragile because I do nothing. And they were partially right. I did not know how to defend myself, or ride a horse. But these last couple of weeks I have been working hard to change all of that."
His eyes narrow at her words. "And why do you need to? You are safe here. You are stepping out of your place."
Rage colors her face a furious red. Without warning, Jin deals out a slap to his face.
"My place? Need I remind you that I will not be those insipid women, cooking faithfully at home while their husbands fuck with a whore. I will be useful. I will be just as capable as a man if not more so. I choose my own path in life. Remember that!"
She has never raised her voice like this before. The words are flying out of her mouth like arrows, and they are doing damage.
Altair flinches slightly. More so from her words than the slap.
"I see." His tone is cold and impersonal. "Then do as you wish."
He turns and walks out the door, leaving only emptiness behind.
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"Oh… what a fiasco," Yasmin's silky voice finds Jin sitting by herself at the base of a tree. Nothing is spectacular about the tree, it stands by itself in a meadow of soft green, and yet Jin finds herself drawn to this particular spot outside of the Garden's perimeter.
"Master Altair has caught you misbehaving. Dare I ask what sort of punishment he dealt out?"
"None, and do not speak such nonsense. I was clearly not in the wrong," Jin snaps back. Yasmin's tittering is slowly getting on her nerves.
"Oh? How is it not? Flaunting your immodesty and exposing your body to dozens of hormone-driven men is not a cause for worry?"
"What does it matter? They do not see me as a woman anyways. I spend all my days in the dirty stables, mucking out horse shit, and sweating up a storm during training."
"But Altair does," Yasmin points out. Jin tilts back her head listlessly. She follows the endless branches of the knarled tree. The leaves bend gracefully under the dance of the breeze, and she wishes to be able to catch the wind underneath her arms. Lifting her away from her inner turmoil.
"Yes… and no. He… I do not know what he thinks of me." Her lower lip trembles with uncertainty. She has been working to improve herself. All for what? She had been telling herself it is for her own survival.
But she is fooling herself if she does not admit it is also for Altair's approval and recognition. The look of gratitude he gave her when she tended his wounds. Or how he smiled at her with pride when her poisons worked. She wants more, more of everything.
"Silly girl! Take it from us onlookers, the man is taken by you. If you are as innocent as you seem, then he has been restraining himself. He did not allow you to be taken under our Lady's wing for obvious reasons: he cannot bear to let other men have you. Have you considered that?" Yasmin asks in a low voice.
Jin's viridian eyes drifts down to examine Yasmin's earnest features. While she finds the girl flippant and shallow, Jin admits Yasmin is more knowledgeable in certain areas. She finds herself nodding slowly in agreement.
"Yasmin?"
"Hm?"
Taking a deep breath, Jin gathers her new-found confidence. "Teach me."
Notes: Happy Holidays! Made it in time for New Years! :D I really don't know what's worse. Not being able to play ACII or not being able to finish it once you started. T_T
1) Consider this a filler episode. B/c I'm not close to finishing game and PS3 is at friend's house. I need to read all the codex pages but I refuse to read them online.
2) An introduction of a female character b/c I feel like all Jin is exposed to are men and their opinions. She needs to find herself and part of that is to how to be a woman. Once again, using Callalili's fic Bitter Leaves and Blossoms Bright concept of a Garden.
3) I love how the readers were so outraged about the last chapter. And how everyone wants Jin to get with Malik or another guy to get back at Altair. Really you guys... two wrongs don't make a right. xD And society back then were pretty much full of double standards like that. But readers' reactions are priceless. Makes my day worthwhile. hehe
4) ... the tower scene in ACII is driving me crazy. Not only does it lack explanations, but I have no clue where it is chronologically. And Altair just seems way too attached to Maria... T_T I also lament for my OC.