asscreedkinkmeme | Kink Meme - Assassin's Creed [Fills]

To Altair,

My friend, I have no doubt when you awaken you will be just as disoriented as I have been these past few days. I have left this for you to take the place of the notes we have left each other since the start of our predicament. At the very least, this will not leave us wanting for paper at inopportune times. Our current location may seem a little strange, but ultimately it is for the best. My friend, we must leave Masyaf. No, indeed, we must leave everything. Until our situation has been undone, we cannot afford to be found, cannot afford to be known. Even our allies, our brothers, cannot be trusted. While they might do us no harm, this...this curse is too dangerous, and leaves us too vulnerable should the knowledge be spread.

So I have decided the best course of action is for us to take to the road. I have no idea how long it will take for us to find the Apple and rid ourselves of this blight. Perhaps weeks, perhaps years. I wish I could take you into confidence, share and discuss these matters to your face. It pains me to think that it shall be many days, or weeks, or months, before I can again look upon you in the flesh. Nonetheless, I wish you to know that, whatever happens to us now, I will always keep you safe, and will do whatever I can to bring an end to this, however long it takes.

For now, I leave you the comfort of this book, to share your thoughts with me, and I with you. Take care, my friend, be safe, and know that, whatever form, I am by your side.

Malik

Malik gazed sadly over the land before him. Masyaf was quiet in the morning light, the city only just beginning to stir, unknowing of the man who stood in the outlands, watching it with the eyes of someone who knows he may never return. He felt a sting in his chest. No longer would the walls of the city be a comfort to him. No longer could he depend on it for safety or reprieve. Indeed, it may easily be years before he lay eyes, or foot, in it again.

He scolded himself a little for it. He should not be letting himself get so discouraged. It would not help him to brood and mourn what he could no longer have. He had others things to worry about now, other responsibilities.

As if in response to his thoughts, one of which, and perhaps the most important one, made itself known with a small squawk and a light butting against the side of his face. He turned his head slightly to gaze at the eagle nestled on his shoulder, and raised his hand to stroke the feathered head. The bird let out a soft keen and gently nipped his fingers. He smiled a little.

"You are right, my friend. It does not help to dwell on dark thoughts. We should depart."

The eagle fluttered its wings slightly in agreement, and Malik nudged his heels against his horse, spurring the beast to turn and begin to trot away from the city. He cast one last glance over his shoulder before forcing himself to look ahead. Whatever awaited him now, he mustn't be hesitant. He must not regret. He needed to be strong for the trials he was sure to meet, in order to seize back his future.

Both their futures.

Malik,

I admit I was surprised to wake up in such strange and unfamiliar surroundings. You probably would've laughed if you'd seen me. I panicked momentarily until I saw you nesting on a nearby tree branch. Thank you for this book. It does comfort me greatly.

I feared as much, for I drew the same conclusion. I shall miss our home, but like you said nothing can be done for it. I hope we can bring a quick end to this curse, but if I think about it realistically I know it will probably take a long time for us to finish this. This saddens me. I suppose I should get used to living in the wilderness hunting for my prey. It proves much harder than tracking a target. When I kill a man, he is usually completely unsuspecting and goes down quickly. Animals have their cursed senses and usually bolt before I even get close. It is a sad sight. You would laugh.

The sun will soon be rising. Did you know? This whole time you've been sitting on my shoulder, watching me write. You will not remember it, I know, but already you are keeping your promise. How nosy you are, reading over me like this. You seemed like you were laughing at me earlier, watching me chase after food. Regardless of form, how you love to mock me.

I must go now. Safety and peace be with you brother, and know that just like you, I swear, I will always be with you.

Altair

"Where is he!?"

"Get out of the way! Find him!"

"Did you see him!?"

"Don't let him get away!"

The citizens of the city scrambled to get out of the way as a horde of guards and soldiers rushed by, their footfalls loud and echoing as they stampeded through the streets, looking this way and that, pointing and shouting and breaking off to cover more ground.

In the chaos, no one noticed a young man clinging to a low hang post, pressed flat against a building in the shadows, hidden from view by a banner. He made a sound with his tongue as he heard the soldiers fade into the distance, peeking out briefly to be sure it was safe, and then swinging to haul himself onto the roof, struggling to work his tired arms from hanging for so long.

"Yeah right," he scoffed, feeling for a purchase, "I didn't...do all that work...to break out of prison...to die NOW."

Glancing in all directions, he darted across, wary of the usual guards and archers that patrolled the rooftops. He ducked back behind an outcropping, grinning. Perhaps he would make it out of this yet.

He made his way down a few buildings before crawling over the side, bracing his feet against the wall and using the short posts to slowly climb down. As he reached for the next, he couldn't help a startled yelp as it gave under his grip just as he moved to swing down, and he fell, landing in some crates below with an almighty crash. He groaned.

Someone up there was having a laugh at him, he was certain. This kind of poor luck only struck those suffering from being the gods' current source of amusement.

Bastards. They weren't going to get a laugh from him if he was dead.

Almost on cue, he heard a shout in the distance and hurriedly scrambled up, stumbling over boxes and sprinting down the alley.

Of course, it only made sense that since he was being used for some higher force's entertainment, he came out only to crash brutally into a passing guard. Horrified, he flailed backward only to be caught by the arm.

'Oh, mother,' he thought, heart sinking, 'You were right. Life sometimes is so unbearably unfair.'

He smiled weakly. "Excuse me?" he tried.

The guard sneered and jerked him forward. "I have you now, you little vulture."

Well, there was really only one way to sum up this situation, as the first fist came rushing at him.

Shit.

"Shh, easy."

Malik gently patted the horse's snout as he tethered it to the posts, stroking its coat. Once he was certain it was secure, he turned to look at the gates.

Just beyond, he could see the usual bustle of activity, listening to the murmurs of the citizens as they went about their tasks and business.

It was not often he set foot into the major cities, preferring to keep to the smaller towns and villages, but he had no choice. He was desperately in need of adequate supplies. The attacks of last week had kept him in the wilderness too long, and he had been unable to restock in his usual haunts, forcing him to wait until things quieted down and then braving to visit the city.

Ah well. He had been careful at least to compose a proper list of everything he would need and he supposed he could stand to refresh his haggling skills. It had been a while since he'd last butted heads with merchants and the outlet might do some good after his recent sufferance. He grinned a little at the thought, chuckling.

There was a curious sounding squawk before a beak bumped his cheek. He smiled a little as he turned his head to meet golden eyes, raising a hand to stroke the bird's head.

"It is nothing, my friend. It has just been a while since we've been to a city."

The eagle perched on his shoulder gave a soft keen and ruffled its feathers.

He stroked along its wing. "Shall we go then?"

The eagle tilted its head and he nodded, falling into an easy step as he passed the gates and headed down the streets, milling through the crowds and examining the wares and stalls. A few civilians gave him a curious glance, no doubt due to his dusty black cloak, which spoke through its wear his excursions in the wilderness, and the great bird perched carefully on his person. As he bent to examine some goods at a stand, the man running it withdrew at little.

"Your bird doesn't bite, sir, does it?"

Malik glanced up briefly before picking up a piece of dried fruit from one of the many bowls. "No, he is tame enough. If he bothers you..."

The merchant waved his hand. "No, it is alright. It's just...unusual. Eagles are not a rare sight, but I usually observe them at higher altitudes."

Malik chuckled. "I suppose."

"He's quite a sight though. How did you manage to catch him?"

"Ah, he has been my companion for many seasons. I did not catch him, he has simply always been with me."

The man raised a brow. "Fortune favors you then."

Malik smiled a little bitterly. "Sometimes I wonder."

He helped himself to what he needed before paying his coin and moving on.

His shopping was going well enough as he glanced through his list, noting with relief that the prices had been less than he'd expected. Perhaps he'd been out of the cities too long.

As he made his way further along, the eagle suddenly perked, and he turned his head, trying to see what had caught its attention. After a moment he heard shouting and he followed the sound. Suddenly people were more plentiful as they moved past him in a hurry. He quickly dodged out of the way.

"This city is a good deal more lively than I remember," he murmured, watching civilians scramble about the streets and soldiers dashing about. There appeared to be some sort of commotion taking place. Curious, Malik carefully edged through the crowd, gently pushing away any who moved too close to him as he sought a better look.

There. Just ahead, a small group of soldiers were beating what appeared to be a young man, wresting him up from the dirt by the collar of his shirt as another laid a powerful backhand across his face. The boy's head whipped to the side from the force of the blow, spitting blood, and the one who held him shouted something. Two others came forward and grabbed his arms, holding him in place, as the first drew his sword.

Malik's frown deepened. Normally he would not get involved, as it was far better to draw as little attention to himself as possible, but he found himself striding purposely forward, unable and unwilling to watch the boy be slaughtered before him, whatever his crime. He raised his arm up as a cue for the eagle to take flight, which it did, letting out a short cry as it made a beeline for the group, Malik only a pace behind, already drawing his sword.

Blood would be spilled, but it would not be the boy's.

* * * *

Naji didn't understand how it had come to this. Surely there was no reason to execute him over a little pocket change. Dammit, the guards were always so dramatic, getting worked up over the smallest things. He watched the sword be drawn with apprehension, jerking his arms uselessly to try and free himself. To no avail, he was held firm as the guard shouted words that no longer registered to him, gaze fixed on the blade that in seconds would be buried in his flesh, its bite felt in his neck or stomach as it brought his life to an abrupt end.

He had almost escaped too! Curses, why did things always seem to turn out this way? Why couldn't he prevail just once? He might not be the most upstanding citizen, but he deserved a little slack. Perhaps he'd pushed his luck too far after that last incident which had landed him in prison. Hell, he hadn't known! He hadn't even gotten away with it!

He wanted to close his eyes, his body flinching. He hated the way the blow always took so long to come, the guards always drawing it out just to scare you more. Bastards.

He jumped when there was suddenly a wet thunk of someone being hit, but didn't for a moment understand why it wasn't him. A cry sounded behind and one his arms was then freed, and he turned to look.

Behind him stood a man in a long cloak wearing a hood, who had apparently just run through one of the guards holding him. He yanked it free and already it was swinging toward him. He ducked his head, but it flew far over to instead pierce the chest of the other guard, and released he quickly scrambled out of the way as the rest converged on the stranger.

Once a safe distance, he observed the newcomer with interest. He was obviously very skilled with a blade, the way that spoke of natural talent or much practice, or both. It was practically no contest, especially given that he'd caught the soldiers off guard and they were scrambling over themselves for a shot at the man. Naji saw one who'd been knocked away rise and try to come around to strike from behind. Before he even thought about it he grabbed a nearby stone and hurled it at the guard's head, catching him dead in the cheek. The guard gave a short cry before the stranger whirled and silenced him for good.

In no time at all, he'd defeated the entire group, and then turned to regard him. Naji flinched slightly, hoping that it wasn't his turn or something.

Cries from the distance alerted the both of them, and in a flash the man had sheathed his sword and ran over, taking Naji by the arm and dragging him bodily out of the dirt and to his feet. He was quick to take the hint and they ran.

* * * *

"Well...that was, um...engaging."

The two had stopped to rest at a small nest of trees on the outskirts of the city by a fountain, and Naji attempted to wipe some of the sweat and grime from his face. The water felt refreshing after the long chase he'd endured for the last hour.

"Yes," the man said, "It was not what I imagined to be the first thing I encountered upon my arrival."

He fidgeted. "Ah...sorry."

He glanced curiously at his savior as the man lowered his hood in order to see him better. He had a stern, yet handsome face, with dark charcoal eyes and short black hair. His jaw was peppered with stubble, aside from a tuff of a beard on his chin. He appeared to be assessing him as well.

And indeed he was. Malik ran his eyes up and down the other's form. Not overly tall, with shaggy black hair that had obviously seen the bad side of a barber's blade. He was a little on the scrawny side, as most who lived on the streets tended to be, but he seemed to be in good shape nonetheless, carrying the usual scars that spoke of scuffles with guards. He looked to be 18 to 20 years by Malik's estimate, but his most curious feature were his eyes, a startling shade of clear blue that spoke of some foreign blood in him. He gave a faint nod.

"Why don't you tell me your name, little crow?"

The boy glared, his eyes gleaming for a moment that twisted something in Malik's heart, it reminded him of...

"Naji," he said at last, "It's Naji. Of course, anyone who calls me anything calls me scavenger, thief, vagabond, gutter trash, etc."

"Naji...a good name." Malik's face was thoughtful.

He frowned, guarded. "My mother gave it to me."

Malik gave a faint nod. "I see. I am called Malik A’Sayf. You may call me Malik."

“Malik,” Naji echoed, “Uh, well, thank you, for saving me from those guards. I am in your debt.”

He gave a slight laugh. “There is no debt to be paid. I was simply passing through.”

Naji frowned. “You’re wrong. You are obviously a skilled warrior, but you still risked yourself to save me. I owe it to you to repay it.”

Malik raised an eyebrow at his vehemence. “If you insist.”

“I do.”

A smile flickered briefly across his face. This...could be troublesome, given his situation, but he supposed it would do no harm to indulge the boy for a short time. At the very least it would be an interesting diversion, and he did miss the company.

"Well, you may as well come along with me. If just to stay out of trouble." He turned and began to walk back towards the city gates.

Naji followed, staying a step behind.

They walked in silence for a short time before Malik spoke up.

“How old are you, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Naji started. “Huh? Oh. I just turned 20.”

“Ah, I thought as much.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Well, how old are you?”

“I am 30, to be 31 this year.”

He felt surprise flutter through him. “Thirty? You don’t look it.”

“No?” Malik smiled.

“Well,” he scrutinized his features a moment, “I suppose I can see it, to an extent. You have a deceptively youthful face. You look more mid-twenties.”

“I am glad to know I apparently age well.”

A pause.

“So…Malik…where are we going?”

“Well, given the fuss we caused, it would be best to leave the city. So first we shall fetch my shopping, and then we will be on our way. Fortunately I secured most of my supplies before the scuffle.”

“Wait, we’re leaving the city?” Naji questioned, “Doesn’t that seem a bit drastic? Why not simply lay low?”

Malik turned to meet his eyes. “I am a drifter. I only stop in the cities when I am low on supplies. It is better, and easier, for me to stay on the move.”

Naji frowned. Something about the wording...“Are you on the run from something?”

“Not exactly. Nonetheless, my situation is a little complicated. Now, stop dawdling. We will speak more once we’re on the road.”

He groaned. What had he condemned himself to?

For someone who claimed not to spend much time in the cities, Malik seemed to know them like the back of his hand, easily mapping them through the alleys and backways and out of the sight of any guards. Eventually he took them around a corner where a small pile of bundles lay nestled in a shadowed crook of a building. What startled Naji though was the large eagle that sat perched on a crate, like a safeguard. He gave a squawk when he saw them and Naji jumped.

“What the—what is that? Why is it here?” he said, shuffling back as the bird flapped it’s wings briefly as though to shoo him off.

Malik made a clucking sound with his tongue and reached out an arm, inviting the bird to it, which it took quickly and shuffled its way onto Malik’s shoulder. He stroked its feathers briefly before letting his hand drop.

“This is my companion,” he explained, “He was guarding my belongings.”

“…Oh,” Naji glanced over the bird, unnerved by its piercing stare, “So he’s safe?”

“More or less, so long as you do not provoke him.”

Naji looked less than convinced. “Great.”

Malik chuckled, bending down to gather his things and passing some of them into Naji’s arms.

“Come, we have what we need.”

He peered around the corner before leading them down another road.

By the time they reached the gates Naji was beginning to question the wisdom of this decision. Malik seemed like a trustworthy individual, but he knew nothing about the man or his travels, and this business about staying out of the cities troubled him, as it implied there was more going on then he was going to like. But he couldn’t exactly just bail. Perhaps he could simply come along until they reached the next city and then be on his way.

Malik didn’t pay him much mind as began packing his horse, murmuring gently to it as the eagle took flight and hovered in small circles above them. Naji watched him before Malik nudged his side and he returned his attention to handing over his bundles. Once they were secured Malik mounted the horse and reached out a hand.

“Get on,” he said.

Naji frowned as he regarded it, unsure. “I…I have not really ridden horses before.”

A raised eyebrow was all he received in response. “Just put your foot in the stirrup and grab hold. I’ll pull you up.”

He did as Malik instructed, bumping his leg into the horse’s rump as he tried to swing it over.

“Are we really going to spend the night out in the wilderness?” he asked, already feeling reluctance at the mere idea.

Malik chuckled. “No. There is a village a short ride from here. We should reach it in a few hours. We will find accommodations there, so I may gather the rest of what I need, and be on the road tomorrow.”

With that, he kicked his heels and they were off.

* * * *

Two hours later found Naji bored and burning under the mid afternoon sun. He had not even had time to acquire a proper cloak, though Malik assured him they would remedy that once they reached the village. He had entertained himself a while by watching the eagle, who followed them steadily overhead.

“Does your bird have a name?”

“He does.”

“…Are you going to tell it to me?”

“Perhaps later.”

He groaned.

"Did you have any family or friends in the city?" Malik returned, "Someone you might have wished to appraise of you departure?"

"Do you always talk like this? And no. I'm not from that city. It's just, uh, just where I wound up."

"I see."

Naji was not about to make Malik aware of his thieving ways. Not yet anyway.

"Where are you from?" he asked instead.

"The city of Masyaf. It is a long journey from here."

Naji looked a little surprised. "Masyaf? Really? I've only heard stories of it."

"Oh?" Malik grinned a little, glancing over his shoulder, "What exactly have you heard?"

"That it's home to cutthroats and murderers, and secretly houses an army intent on someday taking over the neighboring cities."

Malik laughed. "Truly? How curious." He turned back to the road. "The Masyaf I grew up in is a peaceful city, full of interesting people. It's had a few troubles here and there," his eyes darkened for a moment in thought, before continuing, "but it is strong, and does not bow under hardships."

"Sounds like a nice place to live."

"It is. Though further out and more isolated than many people prefer. We are somewhat self-sustaining that way."

A cry suddenly sounded from overhead and both looked up. The eagle began swooping low and gaining speed.

Naji frowned. "What' wrong with your bird?"

"Nothing is wrong with him," Malik said, "He's giving an alert. It means the village is just ahead."

"Oh, thank Allah!" At the curious look Malik gave him, he grinned sheepishly, "No offense, but your horse is killing me."

"Ah, yes. I forgot it is your first time riding." Malik suddenly turned a little more to see him better and made a sound with his tongue, "Your posture needs a lot of work, it is no wonder you are sore."

Naji raised an eyebrow. "My posture? What's wrong with it?"

"You are too tense, for one thing. You are also sitting awkwardly. This will place a lot of string on your back and legs."

"Oh. I thought you just sat on a horse and that was it."

"It is a little more complicated than that. Thank goodness you are simply riding with me and not alone. You may well have killed yourself by now."

Naji looked startled. "What?!"

Malik merely laughed at him.

True to his words, the village soon came into view as they passed over a hill, and Naji gave an audible sigh of relief. His stomach was famished and the entirety of his lower body ached from the short trip.He was looking forward to a hopefully hot meal and warm bed.

Which was why he was more than a little put out when Malik spoke briefly to a man who directed them to a small stable on the edge of the village.

"We're staying here?" he asked, trying not to sound irritated or incredulous.

"It will do," Malik answered as he dismounted the horse and tethered it to the stall, "There is a loft above where you may sleep, if you are uncomfortable being so close to the horses."

"What of you?"

"Do not concern yourself." Malik then gazed at him expectantly.

"What?" Naji said, faintly apprehensive.

"Are you going to come down?" Malik clarified.

"Oh." He glanced briefly to either side, hesitant and debating the best option, before lifting his leg to try and swing himself over.

His attempt proved vastly unsuccessful as his muscles immediately cramped, causing him to jerk in surprise pain, catching his foot in the stirrup and falling ungracefully off the horse. Fortunately, he was spared from potentially injuring himself on the hard ground as Malik deftly caught hold of him and carefully eased him the rest of the way down.

"Ow," he stated bluntly, as soon as his feet were properly planted.

Malik smirked at him as he helped him straighten himself. "That could have ended rather poorly for you. Are you alright?"

"Aside from the fact that I really don't want to be standing? Wonderful."

"You'll manage. We'll work on your riding skills tomorrow."

"Can't I walk instead?"

"I imagine you could, but you'll be just as worn out by the end. It is a long trek."

Naji moaned at the prospect of so much travelling.

"Do not complain. You are simply too used to the city. This will help you build your endurance. Perhaps than you will not be so scrawny, and susceptible to beatings from the guards."

"You're a horrible man. I bet it's just your horse that's the problem." Said horse turned slightly and bumped into him, sending him stumbling in surprise. He glared at it. "Wretched beast."

"You insulted him first. He is a fine horse, and I'll have you know he rode easy for your sake," Malik spoke as he unloaded a few things from his saddle pouch, "and speaking of," he glanced momentarily at Naji, "I don't suppose you will confess to me exactly what warranted that spectacle with the guards?"

Naji gave a somewhat nervous smile. "I may have been trying to filch a little coin from them."

Malik grinned a little before abruptly smacking him in the back of the head. Naji reeled spectacularly, struggling not to hit the dirt, and as soon as his balance was assured he grabbed the assaulted area and moaned.

"Allah!" he cried, scowling, "what was that for, you demon?!"

"Next time take more care not to be caught," was the other's response.

He gaped for a moment in outrage, "You mean to say you were scolding me? I've taken softer hits from stealing, you...you brute!"

Malik had the audacity to laugh at him then, and Naji suffered the injustice quietly.

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-07-15 03:13 (UTC) - Expand

OP Anon is VERY VERY estatic!

(Anonymous) - 2011-07-15 03:24 (UTC) - Expand

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-08-05 23:04 (UTC) - Expand

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-09-16 16:46 (UTC) - Expand

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 13/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-09-21 19:04 (UTC) - Expand

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-09-22 21:02 (UTC) - Expand

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-09-26 09:29 (UTC) - Expand

Author!Anon

(Anonymous) - 2011-09-26 21:22 (UTC) - Expand

Re: Author!Anon

(Anonymous) - 2011-09-27 06:27 (UTC) - Expand

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-10-18 14:43 (UTC) - Expand

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 15/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-10-18 14:44 (UTC) - Expand

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 16/?

(Anonymous) - 2011-10-18 14:46 (UTC) - Expand

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 17/17

(Anonymous) - 2011-10-18 14:51 (UTC) - Expand

Naji, frankly, could not believe this was happening. This whole day, in fact, did not seem real. First he was nearly executed by the city guards. Not exactly uncommon, but never quite such a close call. Then he was saved by what turned out to be a mad man, who was now essentially holding him hostage for his assistance in some matter.

And now that same man had abandoned him and disappeared somewhere, leaving him only vague instructions that, honestly, made absolutely no sense.

In short, this day kind of sucked.

Frustrated, he paced about the stable, the horse giving brief, restless snorts drawn by his agitated movements, but he ignored it. He did not hear the eagle up in the loft. For all he knew, it had flown back outside again. Or was roosting. Either way, he didn't care. He was irritated with Malik and his nonexistent explanations. Why should he have to watch the eagle?

"Do not run, he says," Naji scoffed, "Only a madman would stay. I've had enough of this. It's just a bird, what's it going to do, peck my eyes out? I'll eat it for dinner."

"Will you now?"

Naji jumped, heart leaping in his throat, as he whirled around to see a man, robed in white, crouched on the wall behind him. His golden eyes glinted in the shadows, scorching and fixed, just like an...

Like an eagle's.

Startled, his eyes fixed on the man's short, dusty brown hair before zeroing in on the scar that ran down the right side of his lips, exactly in the same place as...as Malik's bird.

Gaping, he stood frozen in shock.

"What was it you were saying about eating a bird?"

Naji was going wild in his head, the bird--the man--the beast was speaking to him! Great Allah, what had he done to deserve this? The man looked like a snake, poised to strike, one wrong move and he's dead!

The man frowned at him. "Speak," he barked.

Naji jumped. "I--uh--Malik said that--"

"Malik?" the man cut him off.

He nodded. "Yes. He, ahh, he told me to, ah, watch his pet--bird--you, I suppose, and--"

The man suddenly looked fierce, stiffening. "He told you of us?" he hissed.

Naji could practically see every muscle in the man's body coiling.

"Wait, wait!" he cried, fearing the man was about to gut him, "He said he'd explain, that you'd know what to look for, he said he left you a message! It's the truth, I swear!"

The man was silent for a moment before turning his head. He gazed back at Naji. "Don't move."

Naji shook his head vigorously, hoping that quick compliance would stay the other's hand from violence.

The man kept his eyes firmly fixed on him as he stepped back, retreating back to where the horse was tethered nearby. Finally, he turned his head and rummaged through the saddle bag. Normally, Naji would've bolted the second he was not being watched, but he had read the message loud and clear in the other's gaze, and didn't dare tempt the consequences. Stupid he might sometimes be, but not suicidal!

Finally the man withdrew a somewhat small but thick book from the bag and quickly thumbed through it to the back. Then he paused, reading. Naji watched anxiously, swallowing.

A few long minutes past before the elder looked up and glared fiercely at him, clearly not happy with whatever information the book had dispensed. He gave a snort and replaced it, before striding forward until he was practically toe to toe with Naji, looming in his face, assessing.

"What has he told you of me?"

Naji relaxed a little, and thought on an acceptable answer. "...Not to run?"

At this the man quirked an eyebrow.

Naji gave a nervous laugh. "Ah, ah ha, uh...I might...that is..." he fidgeted and willed himself to meet the man's curious golden gaze, "Are...are you...really the bird...?"

He couldn't believe he was even asking such a thing, it was so...ridiculous!

The man gave him a hard, assessing look.

"If I am?" he said at last.

Naji felt the strange urge to laugh, and a few quick, panicked chuckles slid past his throat. He felt a little hysterical, but he tried to push it down.

"To think you were..." he paused, "I guess it...no it doesn't make sense at all, but what he said does...how..." he muttered to himself a moment before looking up, "Do you, ah, do you have a name...?"

This deepened the frown somewhat. "I am called Altair. He did not tell you this?"

"It didn't come up. But this is..." he shook his head, "This cannot possibly be happening. How could you be a bird? I don't...what sorcery would do such a thing?" he pressed a hand to his head in an attempt to calm his raging thoughts. "I'm so confused."

"You mean to say you know nothing?"

There was no mistaking the grated and agitated tone in Altair's voice. "About what?"

"About the nature of our situation!" the elder snapped, as though it were obvious, "He told you nothing? About why we're like this?"

Naji frowned and shook his head. "I...he simply said he wanted me to help him with something. I am in his debt, so he said I must repay him by lending him my aid. It didn't specify to what end or what I needed to do. The night was coming and he just told me to watch his eag--you--and said he would explain come morning."

"Tell me what you do know then. Every word he said to you."

Naji was beginning to grow annoyed himself with the badgering. As far as he could tell, he had not done anything wrong here. He was the victim. It was not like he asked to be entrusted with this secret, and what a secret it was. He would rather have nothing to do with any of this, but he owed a debt to Malik, and he had no choice but to pay it somehow. So he did he best to explain everything he could, repeat everything that was said. He was no more sure than Altair why exactly Malik had involved him.

At some point Altair had taken it upon himself to sit of a small rock ledge while Naji endorsed his tale, and so he followed suit, plopping himself heavily on the ground because really, he needed to sit after all this. It didn't take him too long to wind down his tale, and then he waited for a response.

The golden-eyed man made a frustrated gesture. "Malik has allowed an outsider into our business. Clearly he has taken leave of his senses."

Naji was offended, rising quickly to his feet. "I would not tell anyone! Even on the outset that they believed such fanciful nonsense, because honestly I can scarcely believe it and I'm seeing it with my own two eyes, I would never betray Malik like that!"

"Wouldn't you? What exactly has he done to earn your loyalty?"

"I would have died at the hands of the soldiers if not for him! He stayed their blades and helped me escape, and he trusted me to help you, even though you are by far the rudest man I've yet to know!" With that, he boldly shoved Altair.

Altair tumbled slightly, taken off guard, before scowling. "I am sure you deserved their ire, petty thief that you are. Return that to me now."

He huffed, but returned the pouch.

Altair snatched it from him, grumbling. "You would do well in the future not to steal from soldiers unless you can handle what happens if you're caught."

"I thank you for the wise advice," he sniped, bowing his head and sweeping out his arm.

Altair pinched the bridge of his nose, "I will be commended if I manage not to kill you before the night is over, boy."

I'm just finding this now, and I can't wait to see what happens next! This is really amazingly written.

Wow, what a large update~!! I've been spoiled!

Naji's first encounter with Altair so far is just priceless. (Pushing him over like that, phht!) He WILL be lucky if Altair doesn't attempt to kill him.

Thanks again for the update;
I'll be eagerly awaiting for another post~!

Oh my god, this is so precious!
I love EVERYTHING about this crossover.
You're doing such a great job on the story, writeanon!

I was just watching Ladyhawk a few days ago and stumbled across this! I would LOVE to see more!

This is incredibly absorbing! I could not help wondering what will happen next, when hawk!Malik comes into the scene. (Did you plan for him to lose his arm/wing later on?)

Though it seems you might have stopped writing this, seeing that the last update was 4 months ago? Has it been dropped? :(

No, it hasn't been dropped. I have so much stuff written for this story it's not even funny, but it's all in pieces right now that I have to clean up. I just haven't been in a writing mood lately. I apologize for my horrible work ethic. I think I have the next part mostly done, I'll try to go back and finish it and then get it up.

Oh, I'm thrilled to hear from you Write!Anon :D I was beginning to lose hope, but seeing your reply more than gave me a pleasant surprise. I shall await patiently for your next update!

Thanks for the update on the fic~
Life happens, so don't apologize. I'm just happy that it's being filled by such an amazing AuthorAnon.

Kink Meme - Assassin's Creed [Fills]

A Long Time in Coming- Prologue

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 1/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 2/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 3/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 4/?

Fill: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 5/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 6/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 7/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 8/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 9/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 10/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 11/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?

OP Anon is VERY VERY estatic!

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 13/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?

Author!Anon

Re: Author!Anon

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 15/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 16/?

A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 17/17

A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 1/?

A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 2/?

A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 3/?

A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 4/?

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 4/?

OP Anon is refraining from clapping like a seal

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 4/?

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 4/?

Re: A Long Time in Coming- Men of Lore, The Myth Becomes 4/?

AuthorAnon

Re: AuthorAnon

OP Anon