Nijma rolled her eyes and tried not to laugh – it would only encourage her...
"Oh come on I see the way you look at him. You can be honest with me I won't say a word."
Her face was the very image of sincerity but the young healer knew her friend better than she knew herself, she was a doer – action was in her blood. "I don't look at him any differently than any other man you are imagining things Maria."
Maria narrowed her eyes at her but only for an instant a happy smile soon covered her face. "Fine I have it wrong but usually I am good at this sort of thing, I must be slipping." She stood to leave the private room of the healer in the hospital wing but paused at the door. "As you know everyone who is anyone is busy planning a feast to mark the end of Ramadan I wonder if you would be willing to accept the hospitality of an infidel and join us for the evening?"
"Why is it whenever you want to get your own way you refer to yourself in derogatory terms – infidel, heathen or invader? I would come anyway."
Maria grinned knowing it would be pointless to deny her observation. "I do it because it works. Gwen will be there too so between us we should be able to have a nice evening. Be there at sundown my lovely and see what delights the evening will bring."
Lifting a basin she had been taking to a patient before Maria had dragged her away Nijma smiled.
"Oh there will be men there so maybe you should wear your...what's-it-called." Swinging her hand around her head in what she hoped was an easily understood gesture.
"My niqab Maria but no that won't be necessary I'll be on duty all day so I'll only be wearing a head scarf."
"If your father saw you so brazenly displaying your cheeks he would drag you home and never let you work here again." Her voice trailed off as she made her way down the hall leaving her young friend chuckling as she watched her go.
She moved to the room where the basin was needed and let her mind wander over what Maria had been talking about. Of course she had been right; she did look at him differently and with good reason. She was in love with the man but to admit that to Maria... she would be as well rushing up to him and telling him to his face, the woman would never let her rest until she had did all she could to force them together and Nijma knew she wasn't the sort of woman a man like Malik would ever consider marrying. Pushing open the door she heard the groans of a full grown man, an assassin no less, behaving as though he was on the verge of death when he had nothing more than an upset stomach. For the second time in as many minutes she rolled her eyes but this time she had to keep her disdain secret.
"You know how much Darim loves his Am Malik."
"And his Am Malik loves him too but I don't see how that pertains to me having dinner with you."
With her hands flat on his desk she leaned over almost reaching his face, if not for her huge pregnant belly she might have made it all the way to him. "Do you have other plans?"
"No."
"Do you think you will at some point on Friday evening partake of some food?"
"Undoubtedly." He smirked.
"Then I see no reason for you not to join us Malik. You are part of our family; we love you and want to spend this special night with you. Why is that wrong?"
"It isn't wrong at all."
"Then why are you making this so difficult for me?"
"Because you have never shown any interest in our culture before and frankly I am suspicious of your motives."
"God help me." Raising her hands dramatically to the sky she let them drop back to her side. "Malik my son is almost 2 years old and I'm trying to expose him to all aspects of life. No, we don't raise him to follow any faith but this is about family not religion. What possible motive could I have other than sharing a pleasant evening with the people I love?"
"Do you know anything about this?"
She looked behind her to see who he was speaking to, "Altaïr I never heard you come in."
He smiled as he passed her on his way to the books he had come to peruse. "Stealth is my best defence against your mood swings Maria. Do I know anything about what Malik?"
"She is arranging a dinner to mark the end of Ramadan."
He shrugged "I had no idea she was planning it but I see no harm in it."
"Because there is no harm in it, I don't understand why you would even think there could be."
He raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth to speak but Maria groaned first.
"I confess I have been naughty in the past and led you astray on more than one occasion but not this time. I give you my word Malik it will be a nice dinner with a few friends. Tahir and Gwen are coming but I have still to ask one or two more people so I can't give you a complete list."
"If I arrive and find you have anything other than a table set for a meal I will leave immediately."
"Good so you will be there at sundown, try not to be late Malik."
The two men shared a knowing look as she left them to begin making her plans.
"The last time she did something nice for me I ended up taking care of Darim for over a week while you chased her all over Acre." The mentor nodded apologetically and Malik continued, "If anything like that happens this time you will return to find your son naked and unfed running feral in the woods."
More apologetic nods as he found the book he was looking for and left his friend to wonder what she really had in store for him.
Malik knocked on the door and bit his lip while he waited for someone to open it. Maria tugged it open and smiled, "Come in and thank you for being on time Malik we are all here and ready to begin."
He looked at the faces of the people sitting around the table and he had to confess it all seemed to be in order. Tahir and Gwen sat together – when were they ever apart – with their children Saja and Kamal on the floor next to them playing with Darim. Altaïr sat at the head of the table and Maria pulled out the chair on his right hand side. "Take a seat Malik."
He moved to the table unsure whether or not to feel foolish for his suspicion and took the seat offered to him. He nodded to Nijma who sat on his right hand side. "I am surprised you are not spending tonight with your family Nijma."
"They have been in Damasq for over a month now Malik, father had business in the city and Maria kindly invited me so I wouldn't be alone."
The table was already laden with food and Maria explained the lack of servants. "I hope you don't mind our food being a tiny bit cold but I let the staff go home early to be with their families."
"I'm glad you did I hate being waited on."
Maria smiled as she passed a plate of mixed salad leaves to Gwen. "I confess I prefer a more informal setting for dinner too."
"Have you given any more thought to Altaïr's offer Tahir?"
Tahir had filled 3 plates with pita bread stuffed with small pieces of chicken and was on the floor trying to tempt the children to eat when Malik addressed him. "Yes I have given it a great deal of thought and I believe we have come to a decision." He looked to his wife and smiled as though anyone at the table needed that clue to tell them who the "we" was he referred to.
Maria smiled at the assassin who had once been an awkward and clumsy novice. He had probably gained as many ranks as he ever would within the order and the offer of going to Acre to assist the ailing Jabal with the daily running was a generous one. "Well are you going to keep us guessing?"
"Gwen is happy here and while she is more than willing to move with me I feel my family will benefit more from being around the fortress for now." He looked to Altaïr, "I hope this doesn't disappoint you Mentor."
Altaïr shook his head and smiled at his obviously happy wife. "You are yet young there will be other opportunities and how could I be disappointed at anything which pleases my wife so much?"
Gwen and Maria although very different in nature had spent a great deal of time together both enjoying the chance to speak their native tongue and had become close friends in the process. "Are you alright Maria?" Getting to her feet Gwen moved beside her.
"I'm fine just a twinge that's all. She likes to remind me of her presence now and then." Patting her hand Maria stood up. "However I do need to take a short break. Please continue."
Altaïr watched his wife exit the room with a growing look of concern. The legs of his chair scrapped along the ground as he stood. "I know this is rude but would you mind entertaining yourselves while I check on her?"
Nijma stood at the same time, "Please sit and relax Mentor I will tend to her it will likely be nothing more than heart burn."
She found her in the room next door with her hand on her lower stomach and her legs bent at the knees. "Do you think it is coming Maria?"
"It feels like the entire fucking Crusader army is coming but I'm sure it will pass. Azrial told me that this can happen with a second child."
Nijma let her rest her lower arm in her hand and felt her head. "We should take you to her now Maria just to be sure."
"NO! Uh I mean no, there is no need. Let's just go back to the meal and have a nice time. If anything happens you will know at the same time I do."
"If you can walk on your own then fine but if at any time you bend, stop or hold your stomach I am taking you to her." Maria nodded and hobbled to the door. "I am serious Maria so much as a wince and I'll carry you there on my back do not test me on this."
"Only here in Masyaf would you be so eager to take me to a woman whose name literally means the angel of death!"
Nijma laughed as she walked behind her studying her gait for any sign of discomfort. "Azrial enjoys that very much. She believes it gives her power over the men she treats."
All eyes were upon them when they entered the room and Maria in her own typically ungentle fashion sought to reassure them. "I had to pee that's all."
Altaïr ran a hand over his hair and sighed with relief. The child was not due to arrive for another 2 months. "And you are feeling well?"
"Quite well my love."
Nijma lowered her eyes to the table unused to seeing anyone being so intimate with the deadly master of the order and so she missed the look in Maria's eye when she next spoke.
"Malik I was speaking with Nijma the other day and it turns out she has a real interest in those nasty little dead things you keep in your study."
Malik lifted his eyebrows and glanced at the woman beside him. "You like insects?"
Nijma's eyes stuck to the surface of the table as though held there by some powerful force. She hated insects; anything that crawled made her shudder. 'What on earth are you doing Maria?' "Y-yes um- I suppose you could say I have an interest in them."
'An interest in keeping as much distance between me and them as is humanly possible.'
Maria smiled, "You should take her down and show her your collection Malik. At last you have found someone who feels as strongly about them as you do."
Malik's face brightened considerably "They are much maligned and misunderstood. They perform a vital role in the natural world and because they are considered ugly they are despised. I would be happy to show you around my collection Nijma; it is indeed gratifying to find another who shares my admiration for the insect world."
Tahir looked stunned; he had spent many hours in the treatment rooms of the healer and had seen Nijma run screaming from a tiny spider on the hem of her dress. About to voice that thought when Maria suddenly leapt up from the table, clutching at her stomach. "Oh my dear sweet merciful Lord I think someone wants to join our family tonight."
Altaïr was at her side within seconds. He swept her up in his arms and made for the door "Will one of you please take care of Darim while I take my wife to Azrial?"
Malik too was on his feet, this was far too early... but instead of adding to their worry he decided to try to lighten the mood. "Maria Thorpe I knew I would end up child minding tonight."
She laughed and had to move her head to avoid hitting the door. "Not even you can think I planned this Al Sayf but please do take care of my son I've grown rather fond of the little sod!"
Darim was on his feet watching his father carry his mother off at high speed. "Ummu, Baba?"
Malik bent down and lifted the boy to his chest. His blue eyes were beginning to fill with confused tears and Malik tried to divert them. "Shall we take Nijma down to my study and show her all my creepy crawlies?"
He looked to his friends who had been on the floor playing happily with him but who were now in the arms of their parents and sobbed. Nijma stroked his cheek with a soft finger. "No need to fret Darim, Ummu told you about the baby in her tummy and it looks like it is coming."
"So what shall we do while we wait Darim, sleep or the bugs?"
"Bugs Am." He replied in a sing song voice as his chubby arms gained a death grip on his neck.
Tahir and Gwen left telling Malik he could bring Darim to them at any time but Malik knew he would keep the boy with him. He had been there when he was born, taken his first steps and split his lip for the first time. It was only right he should be with him now.
Nijma went with Malik to the study albeit nervously,saying she could only stay for a short time in case she was needed to help with Maria and Malik assured her he understood.
"You don't really like insects do you?"
She grinned but kept her distance from the creatures under the various covers. "What gave it away?"
"I have been called perceptive but even the baby can see you won't get within 3 feet of them." He saw her blush and smiled at the charming hue it added to her olive skin. "Why did Maria lie, was she purposely trying to make you suffer?"
Her skin burned an even deeper shade of red and Malik for the first time began to wonder. 'Had Maria noticed the soft way he spoke to Nijma or how sometimes his eyes would dwell on her when she walked past?'
Darim snorted and shifted his sleeping position against Malik's shoulder and both adults spoke at the same time eager to use the distraction.
"I should –"
"He needs to go to –"
They laughed together and Nijma had to admit she wasn't entirely angry with Maria for forcing her into this position. "I should go Malik they might need me."
He nodded, "This little assassin needs a comfortable bed."
She bowed her head and made to leave but his voice stopped her. "Nijma..."
If Maria had told her about her suspicions then Nijma was perhaps not unwilling to see him as a suitor since she had agreed to come with him to suffer his beloved bugs.
"Yes Malik."
He decided to throw caution to the wind. "I would like to spend more time with you but if you would prefer to wait until you father returns I would understand."
She turned to face him amazed at how easy she found talking to him like this. "I would like to spend more time with you as well but I think we can dispense with the formalities Malik. I am 23 and far too old to worry about what my father will say."
Her brown eyes lifted to meet his over the boys head and he smiled.
"Just not in here Malik these things are truly vile."
She heard the screams from the birthing room from the end of the corridor and quickened her step. Altaïr was pacing around in an outer room and pounced on her when she opened the door. "Tell that witch I was there when Darim was born and managed not be in the way. Tell her I want to be there with my wife Nijma."
She gave him a confused look "If you want to go in then go in you are Master of the fortress."
He swept an arm towards the room and growled "She's locked the damn door!"
She knew better than to smile but she had to admire the old healer, here in these rooms she was Master. Tapping on the door she heard her yelling "Go away!"
"It is Nijma Mistress I came to see if I could be of assistance."
"We have enough hands Nijma thank you. Help him to calm down or I will make him leave my hospital."
She managed to jump away from the door in time to avoid the fist he threw at it. "It is too soon Nijma."
"Many are born earlier Master try not to worry she is in good hands."
Another scream followed by a stream of obscenities had him spinning on his heels. "Please Altaïr try to be calm for her sake. She needs Azrial's full attention."
He dropped into a chair and looked at his feet. "Where is Darim?"
"Malik has him in his quarters he is sleeping and well." She had never addressed him by his name but it had slipped out. "Master the healer will take care of her."
"You are a friend of Maria's and spent time in my home I preferred it when you called me by my given name."
"Bring me blankets and water."
The voice from behind the door had them both standing to face it.
"Why is it not crying?"
"Hush Maria let me see to him."
Wide eyed she stared at him and watched the colour drain from his face.
Maria's voice came louder now and sounded more afraid than Nijma would have ever believed possible for that woman. "Azrial, why is my child not crying?"
Altaïr lifted his foot and smashed it against the handle of the door. It was solid and should not have given way even to his furious kick but it seemed even the fittings would not disobey the Master. He moved inside the room and his eyes went from the anguished face of his wife to the old healer leaning over his child kissing its face.
"What is she doing?"
Nijma was behind him and knew what was happening but had never seen it work. "She is trying to start the infant's breathing Altaïr give her room to work."
Maria sat up on the bed, her hair plastered to her head and her body still covered in the sweat she had earned bringing this child into the world. "Altaïr...?"
He moved to her never taking his eyes from the baby, still covered in the waxy substance from the womb. His foot twitched and all in the room held their breath. Another twitch of the foot then his arm and finally his lungs opened and he cried.
Maria wept openly at the sound and dropped back onto the bed completely drained. "Oh thank God."
"Another boy Maria, Darim has a brother."
Altaïr smiled but not because of the sex of the child just that he had another child. He closed his eyes and let his senses be utterly overwhelmed by the beautiful sound of his crying son.
Later when they were finally alone and he had managed to persuade Maria to let him go he looked down at his newest son. He found himself unable to tear his eyes away from the smallest thing he had ever seen in his life. "We are blessed Maria his life is a gift to us. He was in such a hurry to be born he almost died."
Maria turned her head to her men and smiled. "I want to hold him again Altaïr. Leave him here beside me I won't rest if I can't see him."
Gently placing the child next to his mother Altaïr lay on his other side and watched as his wife fell deeper in love with her son. "We should get Darim; he should be here with us."
"Tomorrow will be time enough for introductions Maria Darim is asleep."
"What shall we call him?" His finger was only a fraction longer than her fingernail, "I expected a daughter."
"Sef - what do you think of Sef?"
She was exhausted but refusing to sleep unwilling to lose a second of time with the son she almost lost. "I like that. Sef what do you think?"
Sef had no opinion either way or none that he could share at that moment. He was born weighing less than half what his brother had but he instantly earned an equal share of his parents' hearts.
Ummu and Baba: informal mum and dad
Am: Uncle
Sef: Yesterday
A/N I freely and unashamadly confess I took the name of Tahir's daughter Saja from another fic. I hope you don't mind DanAlaya but I couldn't resist I love your OC so much I just had to :/