Haytham had chosen to sit behind the bushes, which marked the village entrance. When he saw me from behind him, he moved aside that I could sit down. The grass was wet in the early morning dew, but I brushed myself off and settling beside him.

"What did your friend want to speak of?" he inquired.

"Nothing important," I replied.

His face in the moonlight...so soft...gleaming...handsome.
I am being hopeless! Heavens, I really must have missed him.

"Oh, if only you knew," I found myself sighing.

"Knew what exactly?"

"How much I have missed you."

His gentle smile was enough to set my heart flutter. It had been too long since I had felt like this. I had nearly forgotten what Haytham's presence did to my mind, heart, body and soul. But I loved it.

"I can only guess how much that is. I know I have missed you. Not that it is a cause of concern now. We are together."

This line was quirky by Haytham's standards. Since when had he become so skilful with words? They were enough to unleash my desire; I leaned forward and kissed him again.

"Why the sudden change?" I was so close, I almost spoke into his neck. "You sound like a poet; all these romantic words."

"Poet? No," he shrugged, "not me. How would you know what a poet is like? Are there poets among your village?"

"Oh, yes!" I replied. "Rhymes are recited down generations here. Most are heroic tales for children, but others are love poems, said to win a heart."

Haytham's eyes widened, intrigued. "Hm, sounds like London."

"Are there many poets there?"

"Yes, indeed! But they are immortalised in writing. William Shakespeare, for instance: the greatest playwright who ever lived. Based on him alone, sonnets were almost born in London."

Silence.

Haytham has never spoken of his home before.
I should ask. He knows all about my home.

"What is it like?" I asked. "England, I mean."

"Well, er – it is similar to here, in many ways. Yet it is also different." "There is far less forest; more cities. Not to mention plenty more rain. But it is alive with culture. Music. City lamps, and burning fuel at the docks. The damp scent in summertime is so distinctive, one couldn't mistake it for anywhere else."

"Are there any tribes there?"

"I – er, no. Everyone lives in stone villages."

I shuddered at this thought. No freedom? No nature's protective coat, wrapped around the settlements like a spirit of peace?

"But there. Each nation to their own," he added, seeing my disgusted face.

Silence.

"Do you miss England?"

Haytham stroked his pointed chin."Um...I shall never forget it. It is my fatherland. But no, I am rather comfortable here."His face suddenly lit up."Oh yes! I meant to tell you. I have good news."

"Good news?"

"My men will be working near here for weeks! At least, by reckoning. Do you know what this means, Ziio?"

"That we will see each other more often?" I beamed.

"Precisely!" he said excitedly. "Isn't that marvellous?"

"Yes indeed. Though I will not interrupt your work life, if you wish for me not to." I took his hand in my own, and looked into his indigo eyes."You are dedicated to your Order, I know."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," he said sardonically, squeezing my hand in return.

"I speak the truth!" "The Assassins are lucky to have you."

His grip on my hand slackened. He seemed to tense beside me "What?"

Oh no. Koshisigre is right.
No, how do you know?
He seemed so...unsettled when I mentioned the Assassins.
Ask.

"Well, you are an Assassin, yes?"

His eye contact broke for a moment. My doubts began to rise, until he said: " Er – I – um, yes. You could say words to that effect, I suppose."

Ah, but is that the truth?
Haytham is an honest man, Ziio. Of course that is the truth.
I am unconvinced.
Stop questioning! Why would he lie to you?
I want to know more.

"What is your business here? You and your allies."

He relaxed a little, seeing I'd gone off on a tangent. "I showed you already. The amulet. I was certain it was the key to something. Something that has been missing for thousands of years. But I either lack another key, or another place. My men and I have narrowed our search zone down..."

He looks so lively when he speaks of his work. He must be dedicated.
I have never seen him so intrigued by anything. It is attractive.
Yet funny.

"What?" he demanded. "Why are you laughing?"

"Forgive me. It is a wonderful sight, seeing you speak of your passions with such vigour."

"My passions are amusing to you? Why were you laughing at me, Ziio?"

"Because I had to." I smirked, before kissing his cheek. But when the impact of my own words hit me, I pulled away. My stomach churned, suddenly remembering with shock: that was what Haytham said to me, the night that we...we...it was unthinkable. Yet he did not know what damage our deed had caused. To both of us. I looked at the ground, his unknowing gaze momentarily too much to take.

I have to tell him.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

"N-no, I'm fine."

"Ziio," he sighed, "I know when you are 'fine'. 'Fine' is not suited to describe you. What's troubling you?"

Tell him!
Do not.
Tell him!

"No, nothing. Really," I squeaked. "I'm fine."

"You can tell me, Ziio. Your friend back there said that you have not been yourself of late."

Tell him!
How will he take it? I am not to know.
Tell him! You must!

"I – I–" I sighed, unable to speak. "Forgive me, Haytham. Only I cannot find the right words."

"Take your time." "I am in no hurry."

I paused, yet there was no silence: the voices in my head screamed different orders, making me fall further. I was collapsing on my own mind, and Haytham was sitting there unaware. I bit my lip, fighting back the single tear my eye was clutching. I could not cry. Not now.

Tell him.
I cannot! I am afraid!
You are never afraid, Ziio.
I am now.
Tell him!
Do not.
You must. Do it. Do it now!

Just as I bore his stare and opened my trembling lips, I heard a swish from the distance. Both of our heads turned in alarm. There were footsteps, coming closer and closer to the entrance.

"Someone is awake," I whispered sharply. "Quick, you must escape!"

"Wait."

Before I could protest, Haytham grabbed my face and held me in his embrace for a long time. I struggled for breath in my surprise. I wanted to tell him: there was someone coming! Now was not the time! But I could hardly resist another second. We pulled apart; I gasped for air.

"I love you," he panted.

"And I you. Now go! Quickly!"

He scrambled to his feet and was engulfed in darkness before I could think about it.

Later on I crept back to my house and laid down to sleep. I was confident that nobody had seen me snooping around, so I should have felt safe. But I felt far from safe. First of all I was confused. Why did Haytham seem so stunned when I said that the Assassins were lucky to have him? Perhaps he really was not an Assassin. But why would he lie to me otherwise?

Next I felt frustration. I should have told him. I had the chance, all that time and I kept the most terrible secret to myself. He had to know. He might've known what to do. But I kept quiet. It was too late now.

Unless...

He said that he was working nearby. I could attempt to follow the hunting patrol and speak to him while he worked. Yes, that was a good plan – but would I feel up for it after all my body was going through? I did not want to collapse again. But I had to try.

One way or another, I was going to tell him.

DADADAHHHH!

Ooh, the tension is rising now! They are both keeping secrets from one another and are not sure how to respond to the situation. Uh-oh!

Thanks for reading! Please review honestly, but I hope you enjoyed it!