Oh maan! I'm really, really sorry for the huge delay! TT~TT My classes at college has started and I'm just too busy! Damned anatomy of the domestic animals, y u so difficult!
Anyways, hope you like it!
Normal P.O.V
... 3 months since Altair left Masyaf...
"Is there something troubling your mind, Altair?" The old Rafiq of the Acre bureau asked looking at the man from behind his desk.
Altair kept quiet for a moment, just kept arranging his weapons on his belt
"Why would it be something troubling me, Rafiq?" The assassin answered without looking at the elder's face.
Rafiq raised an eyebrow, but turned his gaze back to the book in front of him "You must go back to Masyaf. I've already sent Al Mualim a letter informing him of your success"
He nodded and headed to the door "Safety and peace, Rafiq"
The old man nodded too "Safety and peace, Altair"
…
The assassin remembered of the scene on the Acre bureau while he now galloped through the sandy paths of the ancient Syria. His mare breathed deeply and constantly due to its high speed; her beautiful black fur shined with the morning sunlight.
Of course there was something on his mind. There was something bugging him through 3 damn months. But he wouldn't ever tell anybody about it. Principally because he had never thought that someday he would be so distracted because of a woman.
A damned woman from the future.
What could possibly be wrong with him? That was not right, he was destined to be the master assassin, and there was no room for such futilities as love in his life. More than that, she just kept delaying him from his duties; she couldn't take care of herself, she needed his help to fulfill her mission and to travel.
But why, the hell, couldn't he convince himself to forget her?
"Take care, okay?" She whispered through the cold air of the night.
He sighed passionately as he remembered her words. Her head resting on his chest; her petite arms embracing him. That all made him so calm, so alive, so warm. He wanted her to be like that forever. No! He wanted to take her in his arms and wander his hands through her body. His mouth almost went dry when he imagined her soft lips on his; those lips that whispered his name so delicately. He wanted her entirely for him just once, at least.
He got so angry when he found her letter to Malik on her room. Why was Malik the one to get her attention even when he was far away from where she was? She was so gentle and lovingly with the bureau master. Altair envied that. He suspected that the girl liked the Dai the way he wanted her to like him, but he also hoped that it wasn't true.
The assassin huffed and commanded his mare to slow down her pace, since he had spotted the gates of Masyaf not too far from where he was. He shouldn't be feeling that way. He had to keep focused on his mission, even if it involved her. Yes, it was time to both of them go search the pieces of Eden; he had received a letter from Al Mualim the day before he left Acre telling him about it.
A devious smile almost curved Altair's lips, but he restrained himself, keeping his cold expression. Deep inside of him he was satisfied with his master's decision. He, alone, would be the one that would take the girl to her destination. She would be at his mercy again, at last.
Altair ran a hand through his face in annoyance with himself. Damn these fool emotions. He had to stop that right now.
He then finally arrived at the gates and left Hadia on the stables. After it, he quickly made his way up the mountain, towards the castle. The war between emotions and wisdom on his mind never stopping.
"Master Altair! It's good to see you're back!"
Altair looked ahead at the assassin in grayish robes guarding the gateway, but just nodded and immediately looked around, without stop walking.
The man looked at him confused by his quietness, but didn't complain. Altair didn't care either; currently, he was trying to find the girl who disturbed his mind for nothing less than his entire travel.
He remembered, then, when he saw her at the dining hall on the day they had arrived in Masyaf. She was laughing, even after all he had said to her. That made him so angry! She was supposed to be feeling bad! But where was she? Having fun with a woman that she barely knew and a stupid boy that looked at her with such a sly smile.
The same boy that he had seen her with on the training ring the day after. And she had smiled brightly at him that day too.
Altair gritted his teeth. Why did he shout at her that day? He could be the one who was making her smile if he had just kept his mouth shut. He could have touched her face that day, also; he could have felt her delicate skin on his fingers like he had felt on his arms when she tried to cheer him up to swim on the lake.
No! It was the right thing to do. She had made him feel weak!
…But her soft smile she gave him when he was leaving Masyaf was so attractive. He wanted to make her smile more times…
The assassin groaned in frustration and ran a hand through his hair.
'That woman is going to make me crazy!'
He thought and then started walking towards Al Mualim's room again; he hadn't even noticed when he had stopped.
…
"She's gone?!" Altair exclaimed almost not restraining the slightly indignant tone on is voice.
"Yes. They left yesterday morning" Al Mualim answered calmly; raising an eyebrow at the assassin's strange reaction "I let her go ahead with Ghaniyah and Akram, since they asked me to stop at Jerusalem" He slightly opened his arms "I saw no problem, since you'd stop there too and you could caught them up later"
Altair kept quiet for a moment before say "Master, I request your permission to leave to Jerusalem immediately"
A small amused smile curved Al Mualim's lips, but Altair didn't notice it "Why the hurry, Altair? I was thinking that you would rest for at least a day here"
The old master was enjoying the amusing situation. He knew that Altair was interested in the girl.
The assassin's cold tone remained the same "Because taking that girl with me to the travel was my mission, master. I wish to fulfill it"
Al Mualim laughed on his mind, but just let out a small dry chuckle "I gave Ghaniyah and her brother permission to take the girl to Jerusalem, Altair. This first part of the travel, it's not of your concern" The old man was just saying that because he wanted to know what the assassin would answer.
Altair kept firm "Even so. It was originally my mission; I wish to fulfill it so, if you give me permission" He was not going to give up that easily.
The elder clasped his hands on his back and sighed. He wasn't going to play this game anymore "Very well. You have my permission"
"Thank you, master" Altair said and bowed slightly.
"One last thing, Altair" He said hiding a small sarcastic smirk "Keep focused on the mission"
The assassin was a bit surprised by the old master's words, but even so he nodded firmly and made a slight bow "Safety and peace, master" He said before turn to the door.
"Safety and peace, Altair" Al Mualim answered calmly and watched the assassin leave the room; almost chuckling with himself.
…
In thirty minutes, Altair had refilled his supplies for the travel and was back on the stables again. Hadia let out a tired huff as the man arranged his bags on the saddle.
He was enraged to no end. How she dared to leave him behind?! He knew it didn't make any sense, since he, indeed, didn't want to be responsible for her; but now it didn't matter; his rage caused by her little 'betrayal' was stronger than his wisdom.
"Let's go, Hadia" He said firmly to the mare and patted her neck, before commanding her to gallop away from the city.
Elissa's P.O.V
…Morning of the fourth day since Ghaniyah's group left Masyaf to Jerusalem…
"This is so fun!" I couldn't avoid exclaim and then laughed brightly as I galloped with the brown horse Ghaniyah got for me through the Syrian sands. Beside me, the Hakim siblings smiled happily while riding their own horses. "I know that we galloped yesterday too, but I just missed so much riding a horse by myself!"
Akram laughed brightly "You're funny, little novice" He exclaimed and smiled happily.
"Hey, you two, let's slow the pace now, so we will not call much attention" Ghaniyah said still smiling.
Me and Akram nodded and commanded the horses to just walk.
I smiled when looked at the two happily talking to each other, while I lost myself in thoughts.
Yeah, here I was again, in the middle of a Syrian village. I couldn't even believe it I've been in this era for 4 months already! It seemed like it was just yesterday that I was brought to Jerusalem and met Malik.
And now I was returning to there; I was just so happy! I've never thought that Al Mualim would let us go ahead! I was so anxious that I sent Malik a letter telling him that we would visit him.
Ah! Before we left Masyaf, Ghaniyah gave me new clothes to wear. There were gray pants with a kind of a knee-high gray skirt above it, dark brown boots, a gray shirt beneath some kind of robes with hood, like hers, actually, and a white colored linen scarf to cover my mouth; she said it would help me to blend with them that way, although she said I could let the scarf down while we were out of the city. She also gave me a dagger to hide between my robes; she said that a sword would call too much attention, since I was a woman (she doesn't use a sword too). I didn't complain because, yeah, I still wasn't good with the sword… not that I was good with the dagger, but I was a bit better with it.
Hum… there was something troubling my mind too… Recently I've been having a weird dream where I'm laying down on the ground. There is a boy holding my hand, but I can't see his face clearly because everything is blurry. I feel weak and there is blood everywhere around me. The boy shout things, but I can't understand him clearly either. He seems awfully sad and desperate. I told my grandpa everything about that dream, but he says he doesn't know about it…
"Hey, Elissa" Ghaniyah called me in low voice; a smile smirk was curving her lips. I turned to her, waking up from my thoughts and looking at her curiously "So, are you anxious to see Altair again?" She asked slyly.
I couldn't help but blush and wave a hand in front of me "G-ghaniyah!" I shouted embarrassed.
She laughed amusedly, calling Akram's attention.
"What are you two talking about?" He asked raising an eyebrow suspiciously.
I blushed even more and diverted my gaze from him. Ghaniyah grinned and looked at me.
"Can I tell him?"
I looked down and felt my cheeks growing hotter "Well, you've already asked now. It's unfair not to tell him"
"Alright then" She said simply and then turned to Akram, who raised both eyebrows in curiosity "Elissa l-"
"Hey look! It's Jerusalem!" Akram exclaimed and pointed ahead. Ghaniyah and I looked to where he was pointing and big happy smile immediately curved my lips. The big city covered the scenery down the mountain; it was enormous and majestic.
"I've never seen the city from up here! It's so beautiful" I said dazzled.
The young man looked to me grinning "C'mon, let's trot to get there faster" He said and commanded his white horse to trot. Me and Ghaniyah followed him.
…
"Good boy, Latif" I said softly to the brown horse that I had just dismounted of, and caressed his neck fondly while smiling "Stay safe, okay? I'll be back in some days, but the man of the stables will take care of you." He looked at me calmly, turning his ears to me in curiosity when I gave him my hand to him to sniff. I then patted him on the neck again and said goodbye, before hand him to the horse keeper and run towards Ghaniyah and Akram, who waited me in front of the well-known big stone archway guarded by four men in both sides.
"Alright, people" Ghaniyah said, calling me and her brother closer. We all leaned forward a bit, to avoid being herd by the other citizens around "So here's the plan: Akram, you'll pretend that Elissa is your wife. This part isn't a lie, but well, just to be clear, I'll still be your sister. Keep Elissa close to you, put your arm around her shoulders and held my arm on the other side; pretend that you're busy and don't want anybody looking at us, they'll not mess with us if you do that. I think"
"Alright" The boy said with a siblings looked to me and I grimaced.
"Why do I always have to be the wife?" I complained and sighed tiredly.
Ghaniyah chuckled and then smiled elfishly "Let's do this!"
We both pulled up our scarfs and then Akram put his right arm around my shoulders, bringing me close to him, and held Ghaniyah's arm on the other side. I felt my heart beating faster from fear of the guards suspecting we were not a "happy family" and pierce their swords through our bellies.
We started to walk calmly; the guards looked at us from up to down, making me shiver. I closed my eyes tightly and gripped Akram's robes.
"Shhh, it'll be alright, darling. The guards will not do anything to us" Akram said charmingly, loud enough to everyone around us to hear, and rubbed my arm kindly; obviously taking the chance to give a plus to his 'Elissa's husband' disguise. I mentally sighed, but kept playing this game of his, since it would help to keep to the guard's eyes away from us.
When we were passing just beside the guards, I instinctively held my breath. They seemed to pierce us with their gaze; searching incessantly for something to call our attention and stop us. Akram held me closer to his chest, and with that, I remembered the first time I passed through that archway; with Altair.
For that moment, I forgot where I was and who I was with. The scene around me seemed to pass without my notice, while I could just remember about being in Altair's arms. I know that I was scared that time too, but I felt so safe with him. His embrace was warm and comforting, although he was even more cold and serious around me that time. Haha, in the end he made me trust in him too, at last…No, he made more than that…he made me love him…damned bastard! Why, why my heart has chosen him? That was not right! I-
"Elissa?"
I looked up and saw Akram looking at me with eyebrows raised, looking curious and a bit concerned. I blinked and looked around first, seeing that we were already inside of Jerusalem, and then to my hands; they were gripping his clothes like it was the last thing I would do in my life.
"Kyaaa!" I screamed and released him quickly, before put my hands in my reddened cheek in shame "I-I'm so sorry Akram! Did I hurt you?"
The young man blinked and then laughed, before pull me to a hug "It's all right, Elissa! I didn't know you really were scared! If I knew I would have comforted you properly."
I smiled softly and hugged him back "N-no, don't worry; you know that I'm a scared cat. I have to face my fears sometime…" "And here I am, lying to Akram again! Aw man, I'm an asshole!"
I looked ahead, still hugging Akram and saw that Ghaniyah looked at me a bit worried, a bit confused. I knew that she suspected that what I had just said was a lie.
Akram released me with a bright smile on his lips "Well, let's go, shall we?" He held my wrist and Ghaniyah moved to my other side; smiling softly and comforting. We, then, started to walk towards the bureau.
…
"Jump, Elissa. I'll catch you!" Ghaniyah told me already inside the bureau. I looked at her a bit hesitantly, but nodded and sat on the edge of the hole on the roof, and then I let myself fall on it. The older woman caught me by my waist and gently released me; smiling happily. Akram jumped down to the bureau right after me, standing by my side.
Excitedly, I ran to inside the bureau; already smiling brightly. However, when I entered I found no one. I puffed my cheek in confusion and looked aside.
"Hello, my dear little one"
I froze in my spot for just one second before turn around. Instantly, tears formed in my eyes, and they fell when I shouted emotionally "Malik!"
The one-armed man was smiling warmly as I threw myself on his arms and hugged him as tightly as I could.
"Oh, M-malik!" *Sob* "I-I've mis-sed you so m-much!" I said while crying hard and rested my head on his chest.
Malik embraced me tightly with his arm and rested is head atop of mine "I've missed you too, my little one. You don't know how I've missed your voice and your embrace all these days" He replied quietly; his voice heavy with emotion.
"Aww, you're so cute!"
I chuckled and loosened my grip on Malik to wipe my tears and look to the cheerful woman standing on the door. Akram stood beside her smiling fondly. It was the first time I've seen him seeming so thrilled.
The bureau master rubbed my back and kissed my forehead kindly before head to Ghaniyah and Akram. He put his hand on their shoulders, one at a time, and nodded "It's good to see you again, my brothers. How are you?"
"We're great, Dai" Ghaniyah answered with a warm smile and then looked to me "Our lives had been brighter and funnier since you let your protected to our care" she chuckled.
I smiled to her, blushing a bit, and walked towards them, to stay beside Malik. Akram winked to me and I smiled to him too.
"Yes, she has this ability of bright our days" Malik said and looked at me kindly, then turned to all of us "Now, aren't you hungry?
"I'm super hungry!" I exclaimed and they laughed.
"I've forgotten that you say strange words sometimes, little one" Malik said and petted the top of my head. I just chuckled.
Akram helped Malik grabbing some bowls for all of us, to put water and the food on it. The Dai had made bread that day; it was still warm and seemed delicious. He had also made apple juice and bought some dry meat too. While the boys were bringing the food and the bowls, me and Ghaniyah arranged the cushions on the hall, forming a circle. When they brought the food, we put it on a board and filled the bowls with water. After it, we put all in the middle of the circle of cushions.
During the lunch, we all chatted about the travel. We told Malik that we stopped several times to rest and we had much fun travelling together. We also told him that when we were camping at the night, each one had to tell a story. The first night, Akram told us a story about a mythological monster called Ghoul; as the legend says, these creatures are desert-dwelling, shape shifting demons that can assume the guise of an animal, especially hyenas. It lures unwary travelers into the desert wastes to slay and devour them. The creature also preys on young children, robs graves, drinks blood, and eats the dead taking on the form of the one they previously ate. I got so scared that I couldn't sleep, until Ghaniyah comforted me and stood by my side, petting me like a mother. Akram too stood by my side, looking at me worriedly and apologizing a lot of times, until I was too sleepy to hear what he was saying.
At the mention of that, Akram got embarrassed and sad; his cheeks became rosy and he apologized by the tenth time since he had told the story. We all laughed and I told him that it was okay; he didn't have to feel so guilty. To light up his mood, Malik said that he was going to tell us a story then, since we all had tell one during the travel. He said he would wait, however, until everyone had finished their lunch to tell us, so we kept talking about the days in Masyaf and the training I had done.
When we were well fed, Malik announced he was going to tell the story. And how I got surprised! The story he was going to tell was "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves", one of the stories from "The Thousand and One Nights". I smiled happily as he said the name and he winked at me.
"Do you know this story, little one?" He asked kindly.
I nodded and looked at him nostalgically "Yes. My mom used to read to me "The thousand and One Nights" every night when I was a child. I still love this book, it's one of my favorites, and "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is my favorite story" I giggled "My second favorite is "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp". The bad side is just that, when I was a child, I couldn't understand the other stories properly…"
He smiled and caressed the top of my head, smiling warmly "I'll tell you the other ones while you're here then, what do you think?"
I replied the smile "It would be wonderful!"
He chuckled and turned to all of us again. The siblings were looking at him excitedly, principally Akram "So, let me begin the story"
Malik was, indeed, was a great story-teller. He kept us attentive at the story the entire time; his voice tone gave his words life and wings to our imagination. The three of us seemed to turn little kids hearing their older brother a bed-time story. I couldn't even believe that I was hearing that story from a genuine Arabian, from 1191! And he even was my best friend! Crazy world…
"He stood before it, and said, 'Open, Sesame!' The door instantly flew wide open." The bureau leader's eyes glowed with enthusiasm as he told the story. He made gestures with his arm, giving a background to what he was telling and his tone often changed to represent the feelings of the characters.
I looked at him fondly. Malik remembered so much of my brother; he used to tell me stories when I was little too. He would come to my room, the little Elissa would excitedly jump to her bed and get comfort between the blankets while the little, but older, Niklaus would chuckle and sit by my side on the bed, opening the story book. He read with the same enthusiasm Malik read, making me imagine every single detail of the story. When the story was finally ending, I couldn't stay awake and would fell asleep close to my brother; I could just feel he kissing my forehead and then heading to his room.
As I heard Malik's words, my eyes were getting heavy and I started to feel sleepy, well, we had just eaten, so that helped the sensation too. When I noticed, I was resting on Malik's shoulder, holding his arm like a teddy bear, but I was too sleepy to say anything or to move, so I just let me fell asleep on my "step-brother".
…
When I woke up, I was lying on a mat; a blanket covered me and my head rested in one of the cushions; there was no one in the hall anymore. The sky above me was still bright; I guess it was the middle of the afternoon. Small clouds moved lazily through the sky and a single eagle flew freely around them.
"Rested?"
I looked ahead and saw the Dai on the door, smiling kindly. I smiled and rubbed the back of my neck "Yes. I'm sorry for sleep in you, though"
Malik shook his head "It was nothing, little one. You can sleep in me whenever you want" At that I chuckled and he too, then he stretched his hand to me "I have a gift for you, come with me, will you?" He asked and winked.
I grinned happily while grabbing his hand "A gift?! Really?!"
He chuckled and pulled me up "Yes. I hope you like it"
I rolled my eyes, still smiling as he guided me to inside the bureau "Malik, you can give me a rock that I'll be happy just because it's a gift from you"
He looked at me kindly by above his shoulder "Thank you, little one"
For the first time ever, I entered in Malik's room. It was a simple room with a double bed, a desk and a chair, a wardrobe and a mat adorning the floor, but it held a comfortable atmosphere.
"Make yourself comfortable" He told me, pointing to the bed.
I nodded and sat on the comfortable object while Malik opened the wooden wardrobe and started searching for something. Soon, he took out of it something that was wrapped on a white paper and tied with a red rope, ending in a loop. He sat by my side on the bed and smiled.
"I hope it fits you" He said and handed me the package.
I looked to the gift on my lap and blinked, before untie the knot and push aside the white paper. When I let the paper aside, what stood on my lap was made of a beautiful night-blue colored fabric; it seemed like silk, I think it was indeed, and it was very soft. I held the vestment up and it unrolled itself, revealing a gorgeous dress. Well, gorgeous to that era's style, of course, but still beautiful in my point of view. The ends of the long-sleeves were wider than the upper part and there was some kind of 'hood' attached to the dress, to hide the hair, I guess. The collar of the dress was circular, which would reveal just my collar bones and part of my shoulders too.
"Malik… it's beautiful…!" I exclaimed quietly, my mouth forming an 'O' in surprise; then I shut it again and looked at him, feeling guilty "You didn't need to do that… It must have been a fortune…"
He smiled warmly and petted the top of my head "You deserve it, little one. I wanted to give you something even before you parted from Jerusalem, to remember you about me, but I couldn't find anything proper. When I saw this dress, I imagined how it would enlighten your already beautiful smile and face and I had to buy it"
I blushed and looked to the dress, now in my lap again "Thank you, Malik. That's kind of you, but I still think you didn't need to spend money for things to me…" I whispered shyly.
I felt his hand on my chin, raising my gaze to the side to look at him.
"Don't say that, little one. I'll think you haven't liked it" He said with a soft smile.
I shook my head quickly "No, I've loved it, Malik! I just think you-" He raised his eyebrow suggestively "Okay,okay, I'll shut my mouth now" We both chuckled.
"Why don't you try it? There is shoes too, here, grab it" He handed me the dark blue fabric shoes that were beside him on the bed.
"Malik you…" I sighed guilty "Alright, I'll try it"
He smiled "Ah, another thing, little one. Tonight there will be a celebration on the center of the rich district of Jerusalem; it will be in honor to Salah ad-Din. It's a noble and beautiful celebration filled with the most delicious foods and drinks. Do you wish to go?"
I smiled brightly, hugging the dress in my arms "Of course I wish! It'll be awesome! I've never been to a party on 1191!"
He looked at me confused "What's a 'party'?"
I smiled awkwardly and chuckled "I'm sorry, I just can't avoid say things from my time. It means 'celebration'"
Malik chuckled "Don't worry, I can handle it"
I grimaced "Hum, I do not doubt of your popularity or anything, Malik, but… how were you invited to this celebration?"
He smirked and winked "Assassins have their ways of infiltrating places"
I laughed "Okay then"
He smiled "We'll leave at the night's fall, alright?"
I grinned cheerfully "Alright! I'll be ready! Ah, where are Ghaniyah and Akram?"
He stood up and headed to the main room of the bureau "They left to buy some things"
I nodded and smiled.
After Malik left the room, I put the dress and the shoes on. Man, that kind of hood of that dress was strange! It seemed like I was wearing a hoodie, but it seemed too formal to be one…weird. Anyways, it was a bit bigger than it should be, but it fit me well; and so did the shoes. I showed Malik how I got with the dress and he smiled warmly, saying that he was happy that it fitted me and that I was beautiful.
Well, after that I changed back to my old clothes and helped my friend with some maps of his; while we waited Ghaniyah and Akram come back. Malik was so perfectionist; he would make the traces and curves with extremely minuteness and would have to rectify what I did sometimes.
"Malik, I'm sorry… I'm doing everything wrong…" I told him sadly, throwing my arms on the table and letting my head fall between them.
I could hear the bureau leader chuckle before he rubbed my back reassuringly, making me straight myself again and look at him with a pout on my lips. He was smiling warmly.
"You don't need to apologize, little one. This is not your usual work; it's not your fault that you're not so good at it" He said and caressed the back of my neck.
I bent my mouth thoughtfully and watched his arm.
Now that I thought about it, I've never asked Malik why he doesn't have his left arm. I feared asking and hurting him, but what was the story behind it? Sometimes he was so mysterious. I could feel that he kept a lot of secrets of me, although I didn't mind that much, I had mines too.
'Humm… but I still want to know the story about it…'
I looked into his eyes again in a serious but calm expression while took his hand in both mines, softly caressing it. I turned my gaze to it then, analyzing the rough skin and thinking of how I would ask him without being rude.
Blinking, I finally decided what I would ask and looked up to him again. His eyes expressed confusion, what almost made me smile.
"Malik can I…can I ask you something?" I said shyly; still holding his hand.
His look immediately changed and he stiffened, but he tried to hide it; looking serious though. Yeah, I think he realized what I would ask…
"…Of course…what is it?" He answered, but not convincingly. I could sense the tension on his voice.
Was it such a painful memory?
"Uhm… I…" I stuttered, almost regretting asking. Taking a deep breath, I looked right through his eyes determined and resumed "Malik, how did yo-"
"Hey~! You're awake, sweetie!"
I felt myself almost fall in disbelief. Releasing Malik's hand and turning around, I looked at the siblings, principally to Ghaniyah, who grinned widely, with a "seriously?" face. She didn't seem to notice and just walked up to me, grabbing my hands in both hers; eyes shining.
"Awww, my little student!" She said enthusiastically, making me flinch and look at her with a raised eyebrow and a scared face "I'm so anxious to see you in that dress! I'm going to help you to prepare for the celebration! You'll going to be as beautiful as a lotus flower!" She giggled.
"She knew about the dress? Hunf… Malik is a gossiper"
I blinked and looked to both Malik and Akram; the bureau leader looked amused, while the young woman's brother shook his head softly in disagreement. I chuckled and looked back to Ghaniyah, grinning brightly.
"Thanks Ghaniyah!" I said gently. She squeezed my hands in happiness and cheered.
"So c'mon, c'mon! Go take a bath! We have much to do and the celebration starts soon!" She pulled me on my feet and pushed me to the bathroom.
Ghaniyah helped me filling the wooden tub and to bath. She seemed like a mother anxious for the daughter's first party, what made me giggle the entire time. She didn't wet my hair with water, but poured on it the same lavender essence Malik gave me when I was living in Jerusalem; she said that my hair needed to be dry to do tie it, but it needed to be clean too, so she used the essence because it dried faster.
Well, after that she helped me to put my dress on and then tried to tie my hair in a braid; but it was too short, so she tied in a bun instead, letting some strands loose and falling, giving it a casual look (not that she knew what that meant, but…). When the hairdo was done, she grabbed a bottle on her bag and put its content in a ceramic bowl; it was a black liquid that seemed like ink. With a small brush, Ghaniyah outlined my eye with the black ink, like it was an eye liner.
Finally, I put my shoes and the older woman giggled happily. She, then, searched for something in her bag once again and took from there a golden jewel with a small pendant with an emerald on it; like a necklace, but bigger. She headed back to me and put it on my head, letting the pendant fall on the middle of my forehead; the rest of the chain of the jewel fit perfectly win my head.
Ghaniyah smiled happily "My elder brother gave this to me. You can borrow it for tonight" She winked "It's a noble kind of jewel on this land; you'll be the most well-dressed woman on the celebration" She giggled.
I chuckled embarrassedly; scratching the back of my neck "Thanks to you and Malik"
She clasped her hands and nodded with a smile on her lips "It's a pleasure to help you, my little student! I've always wanted to have a pupil or a sister to take care of! Dream come true!"
I just smiled again, and the she grabbed my hand and pulled me up on my feet.
"C'mon! It's almost time to you and Malik leave to the celebration!" She said guiding me to the main room.
I raised both eyebrows in confusion "What? You're not going?"
She chuckled "No, I have to stay here to take care of the bureau with Akram"
I bent my mouth in a disappointed way "That's a pity… I really wished you could go"
She looked at me, but just smiled warmly, before look ahead again to the men who stood near the main counter of the room.
"And my student is ready!" She exclaimed happily and held me in front of her by my shoulders. The two turned their gazes to me; I smiled awkwardly and waved to them shyly
Malik smiled warmly and walked towards me; he was wearing his usual assassin robes. I puffed my cheek, a bit upset.
'Why am I the only one who is wearing formal clothes?'
"You're beautiful, little one" He said fondly when stopped in front of me and caressed the top of my head.
'Oh my god, doesn't this sound cliché?'
I blushed "T-thank you"
I could see by the corner of my eyes Akram grinning, so I look to him.
"I think so too" He said and winked playfully.
I smiled and turned to Malik again, pulling the hood of my dress up "So, let's go?!"
He smiled widely and nodded "Yes, let's go"
Akram helped Malik to climb the wall of the bureau and I climbed after him. We both said goodbye to the siblings, telling them that we would not come back late and then we headed to the center of the rich district of Jerusalem.
The streets of the city at night were very little illuminated; every hallway seemed a hole of darkness where a monster could come and jump at you. In fact, everything seemed dangerous and filled with evil creatures. Scared, I kept always close to Malik and holding his robes with one of my hands; looking around attentive to any movement. He would keep his arm around my shoulders and rub my upper arm, sometimes chuckling and saying that nothing would harm me while he was there.
Although Malik was there with me, that darkness was agonizing. It seemed that I was being observed, or better, being glared by someone…or something; it felt like I was a prey and there was a hunter watching me. There was a time when I couldn't stand it anymore and I closed my eyes tightly and hid on Malik's chest; making him stop.
My friend caressed my head; I looked up to him, still holding his robes; he was smiling reassuringly.
"Calm down, Elissa. We're almost there. Then there will be enough light to wash away all your fears"
I frowned sadly "I'm sorry for being such a fearful, Malik… But I just feels like someone is observing me, like a hunter looking for its prey…" I shivered at the thought.
Malik petted my head fondly in an attempt to calm me down, but looked up and around with a serious expression. When he looked to a certain direction, though, he stopped and raised an eyebrow, suspicious. I looked to where his eyes were, but saw nothing, just some buildings, the tallest one with a roof garden atop of it.
The bureau leader patted my head and looked at me again, smiling softly "There's nothing around, I assure you. Let's continue?"
I stared at him for a moment, unsure, but then nodded. He nodded too and started walking, with me still holding his robes.
From time to time, I looked up at Malik to see what he was doing. What I found strangest the most was that he would look around sometimes, but tried to hide it. I was just going to ask him what was the problem when I spotted a light coming from behind some buildings and streets; not too far from where we were.
I looked up again, tilting my head "Is it there?"
He smiled softly and nodded "Yes"
I smiled brightly and tugged his robes; inducing him to run "So let's hurry! We're not too far!"
The bureau leader laughed and held my wrist "If you're not scared"
I smirked "Well, the light is my safe spot, so is natural that I want to get to it quickly" I laughed and then smiled kindly "And, also, I'm with you Malik. Even though I'm scared, I know that you'll protect me"
He looked at me fondly and slid his hand to mine "You can be sure of it, little one"
I smiled wider and then pulled him to run with me.
…
"Oh my god, this place is beautiful" I exclaimed excitedly when we arrived at the place of the celebration.
The place was filled with people. Men and women dressed in formal clothes danced cheerfully at the music of a group of men playing lutes, some kind of drum that seemed like a little round bench, some kind of clarinet that had a very sharp tone and a timbrel. A beautiful and big fountain decorated the center of the round plaza, while around it stood mats and some cushions, so the people could sit and drink or eat something comfortably. There were tables around the place that were filled with bread, meat, fruits and jars with several drinks; there was some men that walked by with plates with ceramic cups filled with liquids with different colors above it, distributing it to the invited. Finally, the best part is there were enough torches to illuminate every single shadow on the square! It also gave the place a beautiful shine that was reflected on the water of the fountain.
"Do you want to sit a bit?" Malik asked still holding me by my hand.
I smiled happily and nodded.
We headed to a bunch of cushions above a mat near the fountain and sat there. We both sighed and then I chuckled; Malik smiled.
"Oh, I remembered to comment it with you: I didn't know that 'The Thousand and One nights' was a known book in your…land." He said with a calm expression.
I smiled warmly "Yes it is. You know, it is just so strange to hear it being read by an authentic Arabic! And even more because this Arabic is my best friend"
Malik smiled fondly "I'm glad you enjoyed it, little one. I can read to you anytime you want…" He raised his index finger "…With one condition"
I raised my eyebrow in a playful curiosity.
He smirked "You have to sing that song you wrote about for me on the first letter"
I pouted "But I'm a terrible singer, Malik! You wouldn't want to hear me, trust me"
He laughed "But I still want to hear it. It doesn't matter if you sing well or not, I just want to hear it in your voice"
I smiled softly "Hum… okay, I'll try not to sing too badly"
There were some moments of silence where we just enjoyed the music and watched the people dancing.
"So…" He broke the silence; making me look to him "…You didn't explain what Altair did exactly at the travel on the letter" He pointed out, looking at me curiously.
I blushed and looked down "Aaah, humm…" 'I can't tell him that!' "Uuhh… can I tell you something before it?" I evaded.
He bent his mouth thoughtfully, but then smiled and nodded.
I looked at him with eyebrows furrowed in confusion and concern "You know, I've been having weird dreams these times since I left Masyaf"
He looked at me suspiciously "Really? What happens in this dream?"
I looked down; still frowning "Well, basically I'm lying on the ground, there's blood everywhere and there's a young man holding my hand and shouting things that I can't understand. He seems desperate and terribly sad. During the entire dream I feel weak and sick; all my body aches and some spots burn with cut's pain" I sighed "I reflected about that dream and, yeah, I think I'm dying on it. But still I can't figure out what it means…"
Malik held his chin and looked up thoughtfully "I don't have any idea of what it means…"
I sighed sadly and let one of my arms rest heavily on my legs.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I couldn't reach you early my lord and miss; there are too many people here tonight!"
I looked up with both eyebrows raised and saw a chubby man standing next to me and Malik. He had turban on his head and a small goatee. He was dressed very formally and had a plate with several cups above it on his hands.
"Do you wish do drink something?" He asked politely.
"Yes, please" Malik answered as politely as the man and he handed him a cup with an orange colored liquid on it.
"And you, miss?" The man turned to me.
I smiled awkwardly "Uhm…is this alcoh-" 'be more simple, Elissa! They may not know what 'alcoholic means!' "I mean, will this let me drunk?"
The chubby man laughed brightly "Only if you drink it a lot, miss" He answered still smiling amusedly.
I laughed awkwardly, again "Hum… in this case, I'll pass. I don't drink"
The man chuckled heartily "This is a celebration, miss! Drink is a part of it!"
'I don't agree with you… I went to a bunch of parties and never drank anything and they were still fun…'
I grimaced and turned to Malik. He was about to say something, but then sighed and just shrugged, giving me a 'do-what-you-want-to' look and kept drinking of his own cup. I puffed my cheek before turn to the chubby man again with an uncertain look.
"Uhmm…" I rubbed my arm insecurely "… I guess just a bit will not harm me…"
…
"Yayyyyy! Come Malik!" I exclaimed excitedly as I pulled Malik to dance with me near the other people. Well, we were not exactly 'dancing'; I was just waving his arm and moving side to side enthusiastically while he kept looking at me in a concern and disagreement.
He sighed tiredly "I shouldn't have let you drink that…"
"What are you talking aboooout~? It was only three cups!" I said loudly while still trying to make him move.
He raised his eyebrow "That's what worries me. I thought you would not get like that with only three cups"
"But that was sooo good!" I exclaimed happily and spun me; almost falling in the process; having to hold Malik's arm firmly to not to.
I have to admit it: that drink was so good! It had a citric flavor; orange with some other fruit, I didn't even felt the alcohol at all, just the delicious taste of the fruits. The bad side is that I was feeling too hot, like I had a fever but wasn't feeling cold, just the burning sensation that we feel at touching our forehead when we have one. My cheeks were red as two round apples and everything seemed funny and amusing.
"Elissa, I think we should sit a bit again…" Malik said quietly, trying to calm me down.
"Whyyy?" I complained with an exaggerated hurt look and then smirked "If you stay here and dance with me I'll tell you what Altair did in the travel"
Malik seemed to think for a moment and then nodded with a 'deal' face "Alright, then. You wouldn't tell me if you were sober, so I'll accept it"
I laughed heartily when I remembered the episode. I don't know, at that moment it just seemed amusing. Have I told already that everything seemed amusing?
"Altair was hit by a poisoned blade from one of the robbers that attacked us and got delirious" *quick maniacal laugh* "And then he grabbed me and started to kiss my neck! I tried to remain calm and get him off me, you know, but then he kissed me for real and I totally lost control!"
I laughed brightly again; Malik's jaw had dropped and he stared at me disbelieved.
"Oooh, and he's a good kisser, geez!" I sighed passionately "God, Malik! Seriously, I've never had such a good kiss in my life! Not that I kissed many guys, but, man, he's just… perfect"
Malik cleared his throat "Elissa, let's sit for now, mm?" He asked awkwardly, holding my shoulder and pushing me softly towards the cushions.
I turned to him, stopping "No! You promised you'd dance with me!" I complained.
Malik ran a hand through his hair "Please, Elissa. I'll dance with you, but let us just sit a bit"
I folded my arms and pouted, looking aside like a spoiled child "Okay, okay. But you'll have to dance with me still tonight!"
Malik sighed deeply "Yes, yes, Elissa. Let's go"
Normal P.O.V
Before guide the drunken girl to the nearest cushion, Malik got a half of orange to distract her. He sighed; if he at least knew she would get like this with only three cups of the drink! And that story about Altair? Unbelievable! That was why she didn't want to tell him; and she would never tell him if wasn't her little weakness for drinking.
They both sat on the cushions once more and he handed the orange to her. He watched with a raised eyebrow as she ate the fruit.
"This remembers me of the drink. Hum~ I wanted some more!" She exclaimed happily.
Malik sighed "I don't think this is a good idea, little one"
He kept attentive to every moment she made; as if she was a baby that could get herself killed if he just took his eyes off her for a minute.
Suddenly, her eyes froze on something behind him. Her look was of astonishment. Worriedly, he looked behind him, but he saw nothing.
"Malik…that's" She seemed to have become sober at that moment; her voice just a minimum whisper "…that man…" Then she burst out laughing "He's exactly like my brother Niklaus! Hahaha!"
The bureau leader frozen in place for some seconds before turn back again; looking madly for someone with the same features she had once described to him.
Then, when some people walked aside he saw.
A man was looking at their direction with wide open eyes, seeming astonished as he observed girl laughing non-stop behind the bureau leader. His green eyes sparkled like a cat's ones; watching its prey's every movement. He was almost exactly like Elissa's brother, except for his short, spiky and brown hair.
Malik froze in place again. That man…that man was a Templar.
The Templar seemed to wake up after a blink and started to make his way through the crowd towards them. Malik panicked, and then quickly, but discreetly, turned to Elissa again and grabbed her hand, lifting up to her feet and circling her waist with his arm; making her walk through the people in order to get out of the line sight of that man.
Elissa chuckled goofily and stumbled in her own feet "Malik, we can't go, Niklaus is there" She told him amusedly and sluggishly.
"You're mistaken, little one. I remember your description about your brother and saw no one like that" He lied.
"Hum…" She answered simply and rested her head heavily on his chest, letting ou another chuckle "Are we going to dance now?"
"Yes, we're going to dance" He lied again, trying to spot where the Templar was by the corner of his eyes.
She moaned lazily in protest "But feel so dizzy now… can't we sit again before it?"
"I promised you I would dance with you; we have to dance now before we go back to the bureau. But let me just take you to where the others are dancing first!" He answered hurriedly.
"Okay, then…" She answered slowly and laughed goofily.
Meanwhile, the Niklaus copy kept following them incessantly; pushing the persons away quickly, yet politely; murmuring 'excuse me's' to them. Malik watched him attentive by the corner of his eye; he had to think quickly or the man would catch them.
The bureau leader looked ahead for a moment and saw the chubby man of the drinks. He, then, had an idea and quickly headed to the man.
"Excuse me, servant, but can you do something for me?" Malik asked politely, but rushed.
The chubby man turned to him and then looked at the girl that seemed to be tipsy. He chuckled heartily.
"Of course, my lord! I see that your wife got bad sooner than I expected" He pointed out.
Elissa laughed brightly "I'm not hi-"
"Oh, yes, but that's not it" Malik cut quickly; taking a look behind him. The Templar was close "That man with chestnut hair is looking at my wife in a suspicious way, and now he's even following us!" He made an indignant tone, as if he was truly jealous "I'm very frustrated, so, I'd like you to intervene"
Elissa kept laughing "Malik what are you talk-" He covered her mouth with hand. She flinched but then laughed again; the sound muffled by the man's hand.
The chubby man's mouth formed an "o" and he nodded "Of course, my lord. You don't need to worry anymore, I'll talk to him right away" He said and departed towards the Templar.
Malik took the chance to blend him and Elissa with the crowd and made his way to a little illuminated hallway; not too far from the plaza.
"I don't care! I need to find that girl! Lieutenant, send men to find her, now!" He could hear the man screaming infuriated, he was still trying to find them.
He looked down to the girl; just to be sure she was still lucid. She seemed to be falling to the sides while laughing pathetically; not able to understand what was going on.
"…Malik? This is not where the other people are dancing" She pointed out heavily and sluggishly in middle of quick laughs when they arrived at the dark hallway.
Malik sighed and then looked up to the buildings surrounding them.
"You can come out now, Altair. I know that you're here and I need you, it's an emergency" He said out loud to the air; attentive to every movement above the buildings.
"What are you doing, Malik?" Elissa asked and laughed again; thinking he had gone mad.
Malik didn't answer, just kept watching the top of the buildings; eyebrows furrowed and a frown curving his lips.
Some moments later, Malik could see a shadow making its way down the wall in front of him. It disappeared for a moment in the darkness when it touched the ground, but then was soon substituted by a white hooded form walking towards them.
"What's that?" The girl asked sluggishly; putting her hand in her head in a searching gesture.
"I saw the Templar. What does he want with her?" Altair's rough voice echoed in the obscurity.
Malik shook his head firmly and looked down concernedly to the girl in his arm "I don't know" He looked up toughly to Altair again "Hide her to somewhere safe. I'll try to discover what he's planning. I tell you the details later."
While Malik talked, Elissa rubbed her temple, trying to wash away that damned dizzy sensation. Everything seemed amusing and to be spinning around her and she felt like her body was burning. When she looked ahead she saw that white robes she knew so well. Her heart pounded hard on her chest; she swallowed hard and then rubbed her eyes softly; leaning heavier on Malik to try to maintain balance of herself.
"…Altair?" She asked quietly and sluggishly, being able to restrain the chuckles that wanted to come out.
Altair turned his gaze down to the girl, feeling his mouth go dry by the softness that she spoke his name. He kept firm, though, not wanting to let his emotions show up, and looked to Malik again.
"What's happened to her?" He asked curiously.
Malik sighed "Three cups of drink…"
You know, I really hate getting drunk... I got tipsy and laugh of everything at the same time. It's just terrible!
Aaah, Alty is going to have a bit trouble with Lissa next chappy. If you know what I mean :b
Answering time!
xVentressx: I'm really glad to hear that :) thank you so much!
DiscoFreak1029: Haha XD Don't worry, he'll hear a looot of things next chapter! :B
HikariNoTenshi-San: Aww thank youuu! *-* haha, I'm happy that you found cute, that was exactly the intention /o/ Aww, I have a friend that's a bro figure; he's awesome!
kenokosan: Aww, I'm sorry for the delay! :(
crazyuser: Obrigadaa :D Espero que tenha gostado deste também!
Zombites: Aww, thank you so much! *-* I'm really happy that you're enjoying the story and principally that you like my characters! When I first wrote them I was super nervous that the people would not like them, so it's always good to hear when my readers like them :) thank you again!
Well guys, this week have a holiday, so I'll try to write the next chapter as quickly as I can! (before classes kill me x.x)
Thank you so much for the follows, favs and principally for the reviews! :D
See you next chappy!
PS*: Kind of random name for the chapter... but it just sounded so sweet! I just had to name it like that! :)
PS2*: I forgot to say that all that information about the Ghouls I took from wikipedia :D Some arabian myths are really interesting, you should look forward to!
PS3*: I take the names of the horses from a site of arabian names for horses :D If you want to know what they mean look here: pyramidarabians/./com (take off the spaces)