Chapter 11

"Congratulations to the both of you." Al Mualim said, moving around the edge of his desk. "I understand that your Targets were brothers, even I hadn't expected that. I can only apologise, Hana. I hadn't predicted that you would find yourself in the Rich District so soon…how did you fair with the increased patrols, and stronger guards?"

She nodded once, "Fine, Sir. I managed to use the rooftops to my advantage, only crossing paths with archers."

"I'm impressed." He smiled and Hana felt nervous under his eyes, glinting with knowledge surpassing the years she had walked the earth. She knew then that the Dai had written a very detailed account of hers and Altair's joint assassination. "Now, from what I have heard, and as you are both...well acquainted with one another," Al Mualim chuckled, causing the female to blush in embarrassment. "Perhaps you would be willing to work together on this next Target? Of course, I will give you a week to rest here at home – you must be longing to see Rasil." He smiled towards the female before he turned on his heel to return to his desk, "I expect to see the both of you here in seven days. Welcome back, both of you."

The copper haired female bowed her head low to the Mentor before making her way back along the corridor beside Altair. The silence was almost unbearable, and the female felt tense now knowing that Al Mualim had been informed of what had happened between them underneath the bed! She couldn't help the blush that coloured her cheeks, and she closed her eyes in embarrassment when the Master Assassin let out a quiet chuckle. Before he could comment, she took off as soon as they were outside of the citadel – making her way through the sparring arena to run home and find Rasil. She wanted to tell him all about Damascus, and what the city was like. She knew he'd want to hear everything about her travels, to know that she was alright, and of course, he would want to hear about her experience working with a Master Assassin so soon into her career! She would obviously leave out the embarrassing bed scenario, too many people knew about that already.

Hana surprised him upon her arrival, for he had been busy forging a new blade. Immediately, he put the sword aside and embraced her with open arms.

"Hana!" He greeted with a smile as he pulled back to look at her. "You look happy; I take it that you enjoyed yourself?"

She nodded with enthusiasm, "Damascus was lovely, in some parts more than others." She replied, "Jabal wasn't as welcoming as I would have liked, but that doesn't matter much to me. I have returned successful, and have learned a lot more skills in preparation for my next assignment."

"I'm glad." Rasil replied, pulling out two stools and seating himself down on one. "I hope you weren't injured?"

The eighteen year old couldn't lie to him, instead she gave him a smile, "I was tended to, Rasil. I received a few wounds, I shall not lie, but they are healing well; there is no need to worry."

He raised an eyebrow, but trusted her words and just from one look at the young woman, he knew that her injuries were not ailing her. "Thank you for your honesty, Hana." He stated, turning back to the weapon he was currently working on. "Did you get lost on either way?"

She shook her head, watching his hands on the steel. "No, I was lucky on the way there, I suppose. I had to follow an older assassin to the Bureau as I couldn't find my way, but I had company on the way back to Masyaf; a Master Assassin."

"Really?" He questioned excitedly, "Was he kind?"

"Kinder than many others." She replied, and then she scowled. "Efled was there too."

"Oh dear," Rasil sighed and put down the weapon he was crafting to give the girl his full attention. "Did he try to get you hurt?"

She shook her head, "No, I didn't see him out at all." She replied, "Although when I was injured, he found it funny and he was speaking with Jabal as though he had gambled that it was going to happen."

Rasil shook his head, "I hope you ignored his jibes?"

"I did." She nodded with a small smile, "Just like you told me to do."

"Good, I am proud." He placed his hand upon her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze before he continued with the weapon. "And I am happy to hear that you enjoyed yourself, and that you returned home successful. I'm sorry that you were injured, but I am glad that you are better now."

A/N: Just a short chapter this time, I know I haven't updated in a long time but I'd lost my fucking memory stick. Seriously, I have OCD and was tidying up one day, and then for some reason I couldn't for the life of me remember where I'd put it! Anyway, I've found it now (it was in my pencil case), so I will update another 2 chapters today as my way of apologising.

Also, my laptop is broken so I am using my mum's computer.

Also, the kittens have gone :( They've all found forever homes. The house is quiet without them, and my dog is now depressed that his friends have left him behind. Seriously, he didn't eat for two days and was very lethargic on his walks when they had first gone - we took his to the vets as well!

Anyways, please review and let me know what you think of this chapter :) xx