asscreedkinkmeme (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
asscreedkinkmeme) wrote2012-01-04 10:19 am
asscreedkinkmeme) wrote2012-01-04 10:19 am
Entry tags:
Kink Meme - Assassin's Creed [Fills]
We're about to reach the posting limit on pt.1&2, this is for those who wish to continue/write on prompts on both these parts.
Writers! It is your responsibility to link back to the original prompt.
There are no request in this part of the meme.
List of Kinks
(Livejorunal) Archive
#2 (Livejournal) Archive
(Delicious.com) Archive
(Dreamwidth) Archive <- Currently active
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Discussion
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 1/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:03 am (UTC)(link)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.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 2/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:05 am (UTC)(link)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.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 3/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:07 am (UTC)(link)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!
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 4/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:08 am (UTC)(link)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.
Fill: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 5/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:09 am (UTC)(link)"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."
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 6/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:10 am (UTC)(link)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 Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 7/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:12 am (UTC)(link)“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.”
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 8/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:13 am (UTC)(link)“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.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 9/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:17 am (UTC)(link)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 Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 10/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:19 am (UTC)(link)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.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 11/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:21 am (UTC)(link)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."
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 02:23 am (UTC)(link)"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 am (UTC)(link)OP Anon is VERY VERY estatic!
(Anonymous) 2011-07-15 03:24 am (UTC)(link)Thank you so much for the massive update writeanon~!
Naji has grown on me like a weed (a cute, charming weed at that).
I can't wait to see how you adapt this to play out ^^
You've practically made my WEEK this all the new content that I could cry.
Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?
(Anonymous) 2011-08-05 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 12/?
(Anonymous) 2011-09-16 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)Good job, author!anon *showers encouragement* !
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 13/?
(Anonymous) 2011-09-21 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)"Why must I wait here? I can't come with you?"
Malik raised an eyebrow. "Were you not just professing how sore you were, and now you wish to walk?"
Naji colored a little, and as if in reminder, the ache in his legs burned, forcing him to suppress a groan.
He lowered himself to sit in the straw. "Yeah. I'll wait here."
Malik gave him a faintly smug look, shaking his head, before turning and walking out of the stables. Naji watched him go until he was out of sight, and turned to glance at the horse, who was watching him quietly.
"Don't you dare kick me."
* * * *
Malik was not very surprised upon his return to see Naji poking through bags in the stable, glaring at his horse and muttering threats to it as though he believed it was conspiring to do him bodily harm.
"--I'm no fool, I've seen horses from the cities before, and enough of them have tried to run me down in the past that I know your kind is no good, I don't see why I'm such an offense that they--"
"Do you always ramble to animals as though they were people? If you do, I have a few birds that I wouldn't mind you conveying some messages to for me."
The other jumped, startled, and caught his hand in the sack he was going through in his hast to yank it out. He pulled it free and stumbled, glaring at Malik.
"You frightened me!"
"Yes, I see that. I hope very much for your sake that you were not rummaging in my bags as well."
Naji panicked and shook his head. "No, no! I left them alone, I swear!" He kicked his feet at the ground. "Your horse would've likely bitten my hand off if I tried."
"You have no reason to be so afraid of him," Malik reasoned, moving there himself and carefully arranging the parcels in his arms. "In addition, you should not be going through anything else here either. I doubt any of it will be of use or value to you."
"I...I wasn't stealing anything! I was just...curious..."
Malik gave him a look and he wisely looked away.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?
(Anonymous) 2011-09-22 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)“Here,” the elder said, holding out a small bundle.
He reached out to accept it, unwrapping it to find a loaf of fresh bread and a small cut of cheese, as well as fruit. Oh, it was humble, but it looked wonderfully appetizing right now. He hadn’t eaten since the day before, and his stomach rumbled appreciatively at the sight.
“Thank you.”
Malik nodded as he finished packing away his purchases, seating himself across from Naji in the straw and unwrapping his own food. They ate in silence for a while.
“So,” Malik started, “You mentioned before you were not from that city. Do you travel much then?”
“Well, not really. I actually was living in another city before, but then…things happened and I had to leave.”
“Oh? What things?”
Naji’s expression become hesitant and he glanced away, tearing a piece from his loaf and nibbling on it.
“Ah. Something unlawful I presume? You may tell me. I will not care.”
He studied Malik a moment. “Well…you already know I’m…a thief, more or less. I usually just pickpocketed; guards, citizens, whatever I needed to get by. Sometimes,” he stressed it, giving the elder a pointed look, “Sometimes I would steal other things. Nice things. Items that would fetch a good price. Or that I liked.”
He paused for a moment, glancing at the floor. Malik nodded for him to continue.
“One day a convoy came into the city, escorted by…soldiers in unusual garbs. They were bringing in what looked like the spoils of a siege, all carrying chests and boxes of various sizes. I was curious, so I followed them. They went to the keep in the north of the city, where they were met by one of the officials. They opened the boxes and inside were a number of strange items, but one of them was…this curious looking golden ball. I remember thinking how it seemed to…draw attention to it. I thought it was interesting.”
Malik was suddenly listening raptly, leaning forward, his posture stiff and tense and his eyes narrowed.
“Once the inspection was over they brought everything inside and took it to a storage vault. The ball…I realized I wanted it. It didn’t look like much when I thought about it, but I thought it might still have some use, or at least fetch a good sum. And it didn’t really look like something they’d miss. I snuck into the keep later and stole it.”
“You stole it?” Malik suddenly barked, and Naji jumped, startled.
“Wh—what? Yes, I mean…why? Does it matter?”
Malik frowned, leaning back. “Finish your story,” he said after a moment.
Re: A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?
(Anonymous) 2011-09-26 09:29 am (UTC)(link)Can't wait to hear more on Naji's story.
Author!Anon
(Anonymous) 2011-09-26 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)Afterwards though, hopefully updates will be sooner and more frequent, as the first chapter is the one I've been fighting to get through. I have so much crap written for the other chapters it's just sad that it's taken me this long to finish the first.
Re: Author!Anon
(Anonymous) 2011-09-27 06:27 am (UTC)(link)(Half my 3D environments in college would almost always get corrupted somehow)
Just having you regularly fill this makes me stupidly giddy and you have my gratitude for even deciding to fill it in the first place.
Many, many thanks. And I'll patiently wait for the next installment.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 14/?
(Anonymous) 2011-10-18 02:43 pm (UTC)(link)___________________________________________________
“Here,” the elder said, holding out a small bundle.
He reached out to accept it, unwrapping it to find a loaf of fresh bread and a small cut of cheese, as well as fruit. Oh, it was humble, but it looked wonderfully appetizing right now. He hadn’t eaten since the day before, and his stomach rumbled appreciatively at the sight.
“Thank you.”
Malik nodded as he finished packing away his purchases, seating himself across from Naji in the straw and unwrapping his own food. They ate in silence for a while.
“Can I ask you something?”
“You may.”
“I was wondering…why did you save me from the guards, back in the city? I mean…you knew nothing about me, but you risked yourself to save me.”
Malik grinned smugly. “It was hardly a ‘risk’.”
“Whatever,” Naji grumbled, “Just…why?”
“I’ve been around long enough to know that the city guards are often brutes even on good days, and they are not above harassing citizens just to pass time. As for why I stepped in…I simply felt like it. I did not wish to stand by and watch you been slain. So I stopped it.”
“But…what if you’d know before? That I was thief?”
“It would not have altered my decision. Many people are thieves, for many reasons. I don’t think it picking pockets is worth dying over. My actions still would be the same.”
Naji was stunned, a little. “I…thank you. Most people…most people wouldn’t have cared. They probably would have been happy to see me put down.”
“I am not most people.”
“Yeah, I noticed,” he smiled.
Malik smiled back. “I suppose I’ll simply have to find a god use for you, until you can pay me back.”
Naji winced. Crap. He had half-hoped the other had forgotten. “You’re not going to…make me your slave or anything, are you?”
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 15/?
(Anonymous) 2011-10-18 02:44 pm (UTC)(link)“When you say it like that, I worry.”
The vague evil look the man gave him only heightened the feeling.
“So,” Malik started, “You mentioned before you were not from that city. Do you travel much then?”
“Well, not really. I actually was living in another city before, but then…things happened and I had to leave.”
“Oh? What things?”
Naji’s expression became hesitant and he glanced away, tearing a piece from his loaf and nibbling on it.
“Ah. Something unlawful I presume? You may tell me. I will not care.”
He studied Malik a moment. “Well…you already know I’m…a thief, more or less. I usually just pickpocketed; guards, citizens, whatever I needed to get by. Sometimes,” he stressed it, giving the elder a pointed look, “Sometimes I would steal other things. Nice things. Items that would fetch a good price. Or that I liked.”
He paused for a moment, glancing at the floor. Malik nodded for him to continue.
“One day a convoy came into the city, escorted by…soldiers in unusual garbs. They were bringing in what looked like the spoils of a siege, all carrying chests and boxes of various sizes. I was curious, so I followed them. They went to the keep in the north of the city, where they were met by one of the officials. They opened the boxes and inside were a number of strange items, but one of them was…this curious looking golden ball. I remember thinking how it seemed to…draw attention to it. I thought it was interesting.”
Malik was suddenly listening raptly, leaning forward, his posture stiff and tense and his eyes narrowed.
“Once the inspection was over they brought everything inside and took it to a storage vault. The ball…I realized I wanted it. It didn’t look like much when I thought about it, but I thought it might still have some use, or at least fetch a good sum. And it didn’t really look like something they’d miss. I snuck into the keep later and stole it.”
“You stole it?” Malik suddenly barked, and Naji jumped, startled.
“Wh—what? Yes, I mean…why? Does it matter?”
Malik frowned, leaning back. “Finish your story,” he said after a moment.
Naji stared at him, confused, but continued, “Well, I’m not sure what it was, but apparently it was more important than I thought. I didn’t even make it out of the keep before they came after me, and caught me. They beat me and took it back, and then I was thrown in the dungeons, to be executed. I panicked and worked to find a way to escape. I found one and got out of there as soon as I could. The soldiers however found out I’d escaped and were searching the city for me. The only choice I had was to leave.”
Malik was radiating tension; silent, pensive. Naji watched him nervously, uncertain why his story seemed to have rattled the man.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 16/?
(Anonymous) 2011-10-18 02:46 pm (UTC)(link)“Yeah…yeah it did. How did you…?”
“The keep it was kept in. Do you still remember where it was? And the room it was stored in?”
His frown deepened. “Yes…”
Malik was quiet for a long time, his face drawn in deep thought.
“What city was it?”
“It was...Tyre..." he answered, "But that was a year ago.”
“Even if it is no longer there, they may still have information about it, and where it was moved.”
“Wait…you want it? The ball?”
“Yes.”
"Why?"
Malik flicked his eyes up at him before sliding them to look at something outside. Naji followed his gaze to see the eagle flying in low sweeps, as though patrolling, and his brow furrowed, looking back to Malik.
"To be free," he said finally, softly, "The orb...took something from me. And I must get it back, no matter the cost."
Cryptic. And confusing. "What does that mean?"
Malik's face suddenly took on a calm edge and he turned back to his meal. "I will explain later."
Great.
Time crept by as Malik busied himself with a number of menial tasks, packing his things and rearranging them, occasionally pulling out documents and jotting something down, feeding and grooming his horse. At one point he climbed up into the loft and left something there, though Naji didn’t see what it was. He then settled down with a book and began to write in it, while Naji sat bored and restless across from him. It wasn’t like he could go anywhere, and even if he wanted to, he had nowhere to go. Malik was obviously no longer in the mood for conversation, which left him picking at the straw on the floor and desperately wishing for something to do.
He cursed himself for getting into this mess. What had his mother once said? If you can help it, never be indebted to someone.
Well, obviously he had failed to heed that advice.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 17/17
(Anonymous) 2011-10-18 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)Suddenly the eagle let out a sharp cry, startling him, and Malik looked up to see the sun beginning to set outside. He let out a low, short sigh as he gathered himself up to his feet and closed the book, replacing it into the saddle bag. He then turned to face Naji, and the look in his eyes made him sit up straight, anxiousness pooling in his gut.
"You asked me before why I needed that treasure.” Malik spoke, voice edged with something he couldn’t put his finger on, “But I'm afraid I cannot explain it to you know. There are...things you need to learn first."
"Things?" He didn't like the sound of that.
The elder nodded. "For now, all you need know is this. When the sun sets, I am going to leave, and I will not return until dawn. Do not look for me. Or rather," he smiled, "There will be no need."
He wasn’t sure what he was expecting but…that wasn’t it.
His face went slack. “Wait, what?! You're joust going to leave me here alone? How do you I won't leave? Or,” he stuttered, but it came out anyway, “Or take anything?”
The smiled widened. "You won't,” Malik announced confidently, “And you won't be alone. You're going to watch my eagle.”
He sincerely hoped this conversation was going to start making sense soon.
“Your eagle? Why would I need to watch your eagle? He seems perfectly capable of looking after himself.”
“Oh, believe me, he’s alright now, but at night he is different. I imagine he will be in something of a foul mood once he learns of this. If he asks you, tell him I left a note to explain. He will know where to find it.”
“If he asks me? If he asks me what? Why would he ask me anything? How would he ask me anything? Why would he be different?” he gripped his hair in frustration, “Malik, I don't understand what you're saying!"
“Calm yourself. You will understand soon enough.” He moved over to soothe his horse, which was kicking restlessly at the ground. “In the meantime, I will tell you this. You would do well not to run from him. He likely won't be happy, and doubtless he will be far less even-tempered than I when he questions you. If you think I am harsh, let this be my advice. Do not run."
What was Malik talking about? What was he talking about? Why was he leaving? Where was he going? Why was he talking about his bird like it was a person? A note? Don't run?
He desperately wished he wasn’t here, that this whole thing wasn’t happening. He was just imagining it, a mixture of boredom and the long afternoon spent under the burning sun.
He sent Malik an imploring look. “I don’t understand what you expect from me.”
The man didn’t answer. Instead he reached out his arm and the eagle flew down to alight upon it. Malik stroked its head briefly and it crooned, nipping his fingers. He then gave his arm a shake and it lifted, flying up and disappearing into the loft. He and Malik watched it before the elder turned to leave, Naji staring at his back, head spinning as it tried to make sense of exactly what had just transpired. Malik paused in the doorway and glanced over his shoulder.
"Remember. Do not run.”