The eagle cried high above the Masyaf walls, its screech echoing of the snow-covered fortress. It was mid-December, and the signs of a snowstorm were beginning to appear. Deep within the castle, quiet whispers were exchanged in a certain novices chamber.
Altair listened for the sound of the guards receding footsteps, before slowly opening one bleary eye.
"Ready?"
"Always."
Altair slowly rose, careful not to make any noise. Malik watched before doing the same. Altair cautiously approached the window, pushing curtains aside before exposing both him and Malik to the cold night air. Taking a shaky breath, he climbed out of the window and made his way down the castle walls with Malik following close behind. He landed with a "thud", carefully sneaking behind any patrolling assassins before dashing out into the midst of the night.
Breathing heavily, he ran though the village, running past long closed shops and stables, feet pounding on the ground. Hearing an amused chuckle, he spun around to face Malik. When he realized-
He wasn't wearing any boots.
Altair scowled, before pouting. While Maliks chuckling had turned into full on heaves of laughter. It couldn't be that entertaining, he thought. He sighed, wiggling his toes, which were now starting to turn into all different shades of blue and purple. Malik followed his gaze, his amused expession now turning into one of genuiene concern.
"Here." Malik said simply, throwing one of his own boots at Altair.
Altair stared dejectedly at the boot, not moving an inch.
"Well don't just stare at it! I shall not be responsible for the loss of your toes."
Altair snorted, but reluctantly put on the boot, which was several sizes too large for him.
Malik sighed. "Well, now what?"
"I..don't know." Altair admitted sheepishly.
Malik rolled his eyes. Leave it to Altair to have absolutely no plan after sneaking out of Masyaf in the dead of night to have some "fun". Malik felt like bashing his head(or preferably Altair's)against a wall.
"Well then lets go back, and pretend you never had this ridiculous idea in the first place." Malik said, turning around.
"No way!" I didn't come all the way out here to go back now!" Altair whined.
Malik kneaded the sides of his head, feeling the oncoming headache.
"And I must be the only one who wishes, NOT to be caught outside of the fortress by guards." Malik replied, glaring.
"And I must be the only one who knows how to have fun!" Altair countered.
"And this is your idea of "fun"?" Malik mocked, guesturing to the barren road to kingdom.
"Fine, if this is so boring, follow me." Altair said, running off.
"Hey-wait, no!" Malik yelled helplessly after Altair.
But Altair was already descending into the darkness of the night, and Malik had no choice but to follow him.
"I swear, one day..." Malik muttered under his breath.