Hello Everyone! It's been quite a while hasn't it? It upsets me how all of you have thought I was abandoning all my stories. I assure you I wouldn't abandoned my stories unless something really really bad happened to me to where I could no longer write. Life has just had me trapped for a little while and unable to actually sit down and concentrate and write. I've gotten a new job, my grandmother has moved in with my family, I ended up failing my math classes again and just...a whole lot has been going on.

I apologize from the bottom of my heart.

This chapter may not be as good...it's mainly a filler. Though I have something very interesting planned for the next chapter I assure you. :)

Read, Review, Be Merry!

Chapter 36

Suffering from Exhaustion

*Alera had begun to doze off on Àlkimos' back when they arrived with Acre in sight. It was still morning and they still had a few hours to go before the sun was at it's highest and the noon bells rung. They'd rode hard and didn't get a lot of sleep, taking separate watches at night and getting up early to take off in the mornings. Altaïr smiled as he saw Alera's head bob every once and a while. He sat there and watched her eyes close, then she'd jump awake and squeeze the reins. Altaïr chuckled, which caused Alera to slowly look over at him.

"Mm...what's so funny?" she asked lazily. Altaïr looked over at her and steered Shadow closer. He reached out and stroked her cheek gently.

"Nothing my dear. You're just so adorable when you're tired. Don't worry. Once we get into the bureau at Acre you can rest if you want to." he winked at her and she slowly shook her head.

"No...No we have a job to do. You need my help." she said, the fatigue obvious in her voice. Altaïr smiled, loving her spirit but nonetheless he grabbed Àlkimos' reins and led both the horses over to a shaded area away from the guards over by a graveyard. Alera let him. She didn't understand why she was so tired but she had to wake up. She knew she had to be alert.

"While I do enjoy your enthusiasm," Altaïr said as he got off of Shadow. "you're not alert and your instincts aren't where they need to be. You must rest, love." he put his hands on her waist and helped her off of Àlkimos. Alera slid off and placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself.

"Just give me something to drink...something sharp. Or slap me...I can wake up. I'll be fine I promise." she argued. Altaïr shook his head and chuckled a bit.

"I'm not going to slap you. That's ridiculous. And even if I did, the only place I'd slap you is on that ass of yours. Now come on Alera. Stay alert enough to get into the city with me." he winked and rubbed her back and she rolled her eyes, shaking her head but smiling a little.

"Alright. I'm alert enough to know what to do to get into the city. Where are the priests?" right as she asked that, a group of them walked out of the graveyard they were next to. Altaïr smiled.

"Right where they need to be. Come on." *

I blinked my eyes a few times and popped my back, then followed after Altaïr. We stuck close to the English priests and walked side by side with our heads down and our fingers laced in front of us. Naturally my eyes followed the priests feet so I'd know where to turn and go. It didn't take us long to enter into the city...and I felt Altaïr grab my arm and pull me off to the side, which made me snap to attention. I didn't realize I wasn't paying attention until he had yanked me off to the side. I looked up at him, blushing a bit. He sighed and shook his head.

"This won't do...You know you are in danger, Alera." he said softly. I looked away from him and crossed my arms, scuffing my boot across the ground.

"Mhm alright." I said shortly.

"Mhm. You just don't want to admit that I'm right. Come." he took my hand and led me through the crowds. I didn't protest. And yes, he was right. I was too tired to continue to argue with him because there was no use when he knew...and honestly I hated it a little that he was right almost all the time...but the fact that he knew me so well was a comfort, and the fact that he was going to let me rest. Sure I wanted to help him fight and run the investigation but the mere thought of laying down on cushions and catching up on whatever sleep I'd lost...it was so tempting.

"Alright... Altaïr you're right. I do need rest. I won't be able to perform at the top of my ability if I don't rest." I moved up closer to him and rested my head on his shoulder as we walked. He squeezed my hand and I felt him plant a kiss on my hooded head.

"I know. It's alright my dear." he cooed softly. I smiled and closed my eyes as we walked. A sigh of content left my lips. It was nice to just walk in the crowds and not have to worry so much about being caught. "Alera." I felt him nudge me and I jumped to attention again.

"Right. Sorry...sorry." I whispered.

"Its not far. Let's take to the rooftops. Maybe a good run with the sun beating down on your back will wake you up." suddenly I was yanked to the right and down one of the back allies where we could climb without being questioned or called out. I huffed and tried to pull back a bit. The man was literally dragging me.

"Alright I'm awake! Stop dragging me." I said as I tried to yank myself back a little. Altaïr let me go and gave me a smirk.

"Then come on." he ran up the wall and began to scale it quickly.

"Shit." I cursed and ran up the wall as well, trying to follow close behind him. He disappeared over the roof first, then I pulled myself up and stood beside him. My muscles were sluggish and my movements were lazy.

"You'll have to be quicker than that, love." I looked over at him and saw that smug smile on his face.

"I'm sorry...I don't know why I'm so tired. I should be used to this." I ran a hand through my hair then pulled my hood closer.

"It's alright. You've just over worked yourself. Let's get to the bureau." he smiled and took my hand. I bit my lip, then smiled slightly as well...until I was yanked in another direction again.

"Damn it Altaïr!" I spat as we jumped across a roof top.

"At least it's waking you up!" he chuckled and I ripped my hand out of his, continuing to run along side him. Alario called out from above us and I jumped over another roof with Altaïr. This was almost wearing me out. Neither of us spoke as we ran. I was mainly trying to concentrate on waking my body up.

Soon enough, we made it to the bureau and I thanked my lucky stars. I was panting a little hard as I ran up beside Altaïr and looked down into the bureau. I felt him wrap an arm around my shoulders and I couldn't help but lean into him.

"Ass." I simply said. He only chuckled and pulled me closer.

"At least we're here now. You can take rest. I'll do the investigations." my insides twisted at those words but I really did need rest. If this little run to the bureau had me tired out then I wouldn't be able to function properly on an investigation. The two of us jumped down into the bureau and Alario swooped in shortly after us. We walked into the room to see the old Rafiq sitting behind his desk and reading over some old scrolls.

"Rafiq." Altaïr regarded the old man quietly. I gave him a smile. He looked up and nodded towards me, then looked at Altaïr

"Word has spread of your deeds, Altaïr. It seems you are sincere in your desire to redeem yourself." he said with a bit of pride or admiration in his voice. Seems Altaïr really was making an impression.

"I do what I can." he said with a nod. That was a good response. No arrogance and not too much pride.

"And sometimes you do it well. I assume it is work that reunites us?" he rose a brow and swapped his gaze between the two of us. I nodded.

"Yes. This time it's William of Montferrat." I informed. Rafiq nodded.

"What can you tell us of the man himself?" Altaïr spoke up.

"William has been named Regent while the King conducts his war. The people see it as a strange choice given the history between Richard and William's son, Conrad. But I think Richard is rather clever for it." the Rafiq stroked his beard thoughtfully. Altaïr and I exchanged a look.

"Clever...how?" I asked.

"Richard and Conrad do not see eye to eye on most matters. Though they are civil enough in public, there are whispers that each intends evil upon the other. And then, there was that business with Acre's captured Saracens. In its wake, Conrad has returned to tire, and Richard has compelled William to remain here as his guest." Rafiq explained.

"You mean his hostage." Altaïr said. Ahh I see now... Rafiq waved a hand.

"Whatever you wish to call it. William's presence here should dissuade Conrad from acting up." I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

"I've never been one for politics." Altaïr hissed in annoyance. I nodded and stifled a yawn.

"I agree. Too complicated and confusing...not to mention the fact that you can never truly trust a politician."

"Ah but surely you both realize your every action shapes the course of this land's future." The Rafiq pointed out with a small smirk. "You are both politician's too...in your own ways." I pursed my lips and stayed quiet. The old man was right to a certain extent but I wasn't going to admit it...and I wouldn't call us politicians either. More like keepers of the peace. Turners of the tide.

"As you wish. Now where would you suggest I begin my search? Alera needs to stay here and rest. She's suffering from exhaustion and she can't seem to focus well enough to keep herself alert." I perked up suddenly at Altaïr's words and growled a bit. He looked over at me and shrugged. "It's true." and just as he said that, another yawn tried to slip past me. The Rafiq hummed thoughtfully and nodded.

"Of course. She can stay here and rest. Can you handle the investigation on your own Altaïr?" he asked. Altaïr nodded.

"Yes Rafiq. I should be well enough on my own. And since I won't have Alera to watch my back I won't try to cause as much trouble." the older man nodded with a ghost of a smile at that and I bit my lip but a smile came out as well. At least he admitted it.

"Very well. Richard's citadel southwest of here- or rather, the market in front of it. You'll find the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in that direction as well. It's a popular place and should be filled with talkative citizens. Finally, try the border to the west, where the chain and hospitalier districts meet. That should start you on your way." Altaïr nodded.

"Thank you for the information. It will be put to good use."

"Very well. I won't disturb you further."

"It's no trouble at all." Altaïr bowed slightly and headed out of the room. I watched after him for a moment...feeling a sense of pride.

"Alera." I blinked and looked over at the old Rafiq.

"Yes Rafiq?" he motioned over to the other room with cushions and pillows.

"Take some rest as long as you need. No doubt he'll need help in the actual assassination mission." I smiled slightly and nodded.

"Thank you."

"of course." he waved a hand, then stuck his nose back into his numerous scrolls on his desk. I sighed and pushed my hood back and walked into the other room, almost bumping into Altaïr.

"Oh you're still here? I thought you-" suddenly he grabbed me and pulled me out of the Rafiq's sight and kissed me. My eyes widened a moment, then fluttered closed. Altaïr pulled back slowly and kissed my forehead, running his fingers through my hair. I opened my eyes slowly and looked up at him.

"Relax so you can help me assassinate. Alright?" he smiled a bit and I nodded.

"I will. And be careful. Don't get into so much trouble. Get what you need and be back here before night fall." I looked up at Alario perched on the book shelves. "Go with him and watch over him." my bird chirped softly then took off out of the bureau. Altaïr chuckled.

"Stop worrying. I'll be alright. You know I will be." he winked and gave me one last kiss on the cheek before turning around and latching onto the wall. I watched him climb up and over and disappear over the rooftop. I could hear the echo of his footsteps and sighed with a little smile.

Another yawn escaped me and I shed my weapons and robes, placing them in the corner and fixing up a comfortable spot for myself on the floor. Once my body was laid down I stretched and groaned and closed my eyes. The soft lull of the fountains and the shade offered me a comfortable setting to get lost in and I closed my eyes.