Chapter 12

It was early in the morning when Altair awoke. He was still in the resting area of the bureau where he had sat the day before, even eating his evening meal there away from the company of Malik since his presence had done nothing but garner contempt from the rafiq of the bureau. Gazing upwards he could see through the lattice work that created shade along with the vines of the plant that was interwoven with it. Judging from the amount of light, it was still early but not too early. He could hear the sounds of the merchants moving in the direction of the bazaar to set up their wares for the day and people were starting to bustle.

Altair didn't move but continued to stare up at the lattice, more on contemplating what he was going to do in terms of the trip back to Masyaf and taking his leave of Malik. He was so busy with his thoughts that he didn't hear the gentle tap of boots tapping on the floor until he heard the swish of robes. It was then he shifted and caught a full view of his little falcon.

She was wearing the under robes of the robes of the Arbiter. Together it made her look like a small man but the shift she was wearing… it showed off the soft curves that had caught many a man's eye. It was fitted to her form making the appearance deceiving since Altair knew that underneath was a muscled and toned body that was capable of breaking a man's neck. Not that he had seen her naked but he had seen her practice in a similar shift.

Her hair was not done in its usual tidiness but in a loose braid that hung over her shoulder. A few locks were loose and framed her face in soft waves. The sun shone against its sleekness and seemed to light her face up. She was beautiful; he never doubted that and he knew that when he first met her. She was only a little girl but…

"I managed to find that fruit you like, Malik."

Altair shifted slightly and sat up, his concentration broken. Of course she would have gone shopping but to be in a vulnerable state like that? Then again no one expected an Arbiter to go about like a housewife and purchase food and other things. It had him wondering what she did to pull it off and he grew concerned. He wouldn't have stood for it if he learned she had trouble. He would go and rectify it.

"And you were foolish going out like that. You are not a novice and yet you insist on acting like one," Malik's voice came from inside.

Altair got to his feet and stretched. He heard Ibn make a slight chirrup and he turned to look at the bird. It looked at him with a knowing look and he raised his brow at it. He turned and headed towards the fountain to wash his face. He listened to the conversation.

"You forget that I know how to be a lady. And I don't draw attention to myself."

Altair couldn't help but smile at that. It was true that Selma wasn't one to attract attention. She already did enough when they were growing up and learning the skills of the assassins. The fact that she was better than some of the older boys was what had the men appreciative as well as wary of her but that didn't stop some trying to have their way with her. Abbas, that rat, was one such man and it made Altair's blood boil because of it.

"You do plenty enough just walking into a room," came Malik's reply.

Altair resisted reacting to the comment though he was certain that was what Malik intended. Memory carried a long way and it was one of Malik's virtues of a sort in his ability to remember things. It was why he made his maps of the city to sell. His attention to detail was astounding and it could be biting if you received the wrong end of it.

"I do plenty just by being a woman," Selma replied in a calm tone. "Just as much as one does plenty by being a man."

Malik chuckled at that, "I admit that I am at a loss for a response."

Altair straightened up and turned to see Selma smiling at Malik and chuckling with him. He couldn't help but stare and luckily he was in shadow. He was enthralled by the grace in which his little falcon moved as she put her basket down and then walked out to extend her arm to Ibn. He watched as she cooed to the bird of prey with affection and fed him. He cleared his throat and stepped forward to make his presence known. "You still have a way with a bird of prey."

Selma looked at Altair with a smile as she held Ibn on her arm. She ran the back of her finger on the bird's chest to keep him soothed and calm. "They are not as fearsome as made to be. They are wild yes, but they recognize kindred spirits."

"Much like you are, Little Falcon," Altair replied in a gentle yet husky tone as he reached out and stroked the bird on the chest.

Selma looked at Altair as he stroked her beloved's chest. He had always been gentle when they were growing up in his actions and words but this time, it was different. She looked at him as she held Ibn on her arm, saying nothing until he looked up at her. She said, "I scouted while I was out. The guards are alerted but not to the point where their numbers would make it difficult."

Altair looked at his little falcon. He could smell the hint of jasmine in her hair and could see the beauty in her face and hair. He had always noticed but now, it stirred something inside of him and it had him nervous. He swallowed slightly as he replied, "Well done. We will leave within the hour."

Selma nodded as she stepped back. She fed Ibn a piece of dried meat before extending her arm to let him fly up to the beam he had kept watch on. She flicked a lock behind her ear. "I will be ready," she replied softly and turned to head to the room that Malik had given her.

Altair watched her, under the spell he had been under since he was a boy. He had been drawn to her and it was more along the lines of friends. As they grew older… and then seeing her again after all this time. It was not a good time and yet…

"I still don't know why she trusts you so."

Altair lowered his head to detract from the fact that he had been staring at her. He replied, "I don't know either."

Malik looked at Altair. As angry as he was with the man who brought death to his brother and shame upon the order, he kept it at bay because of her. "You would do well not to harm her."

"Don't be foolish, Malik," Altair snapped. He looked at the rafik with a sharp look and his eyes narrowed. "I would never harm her."

"But you would your brothers."

Altair stiffened. It seemed that this was going to last for a long time and he was going to be haunted by his mistakes at the temple. He was starting to see his errors and his targets have been confusing him about things. He wasn't certain about certain things. The one thing he was certain of was Selma. She was a constant, not bothered by the mission, but just as dedicated. "I would never harm her," he repeated softly, "She is Little Falcon."

"And that better be all she is to you."

Altair heard the warning in Malik's tone. He would have said something to tell off the rafik had it been before the temple. Then he would have pursued it just to spite Malik. But it was Selma. He would never do that to her. She was not some prize or object to be ogled over. He looked at Malik and noticed the look on the rafik's face. He had seen it before and normally he would have been on the man for daring to… but it was Malik and if it was to be so… "She is with the Arbiters on her mission and is helping the brotherhood. That is all."

"We shall see."

Altair grit his teeth and remained silent. He would have said something but Selma had appeared, dressed in her robes. She looked more like a man with the layers. It was her protection in the work that they did. But she wasn't an Arbiter now with her hood down. Her hair had been redone and pinned in a braided coil at the nape of her neck. He felt his lip twitch into a very slight smile when she looked at him. He turned to look at Malik, "We shall take our leave. Safety and peace, Malik."

"We shall see."

Altair shot Malik a look and stood by the entrance. He let Selma climb first and watched as she pulled her hood on and scaled the smooth wall with ease and agility after she gave her goodbyes to Malik. He glanced back at the rafik before climbing out and joining her on the roof where she was holding Ibn on her arm.

"You're a little slow today, Altair," Selma teased as she glanced at him.

Altair could see the smirk on her face and swallowed roughly. He replied, "You have caused the delay, Little Falcon."

"I would say it was you. You were asleep at first light."

Altair pursed his lips at that. She was right. He could argue that point but he knew she would have him with her use of words. She always knew how to say things. Once she insulted Abbas when they were children but used so many pretty words it left him confused. Even Altair wasn't sure of what she had said until she had explained it later to him. Then they shared a laugh and went about their merry way. It was also a means of apologizing for anything she might have done to upset him, not that she did. He smiled gently and replied, "I was only trying to let the alarm go down. Then we would have an easier getaway."

Selma chuckled at him. She had always liked his smile. Even when he was in a grim state, there was something warm and inviting about his smile. Like she knew she would be safe no matter what. Maybe it was blind foolishness, but she had always been able to trust him. Ever since they were children and it wasn't about to change. She gestured with her head, "I'll race you to the gates."

It was a long journey to the citadel at Masyaf and it was likely that they would be stopping to make camp near one of the waterholes that dotted the road to Jerusalem. Altair had been quiet and lost in his thoughts, letting Kifah have a free head since she knew the way. He thought about what Talal had said and what the others had as well. There was no doubt that they were trying to put doubt into him about Al Mualim, but some things that had been spoken made him uneasy.

Selma sensed that her beloved friend was troubled in thought and didn't say anything. She knew well enough that he needed to sort out his thoughts. It wasn't the fact that he had killed someone. She knew by now he had his fair share of killing. The loss of blood innocence was a distant memory. Probably lost the day they both saw his father beheaded. She herself had killed men and was one of the reasons no man wanted to marry her. No, it was something else, something she wasn't privy to and probably something he hadn't shared with Malik. So she rode in silence.

"Why can't you be quiet like the other girls?"

"I like to know things."

Selma smiled to herself under her hood as she recalled when Malik asked why she was always asking questions. She was quiet when she needed to be and when she was thinking, but she liked to know things and understand them. As she grew older, she learned that most men didn't like a talkative woman. They liked them quiet and subservient, something she was constantly at odds with. She did learn though how to temper her inquisitive nature and trusted her friend to talk to her when he was ready for it.

They traveled in companionable silence until nightfall. Altair found a watering hole that was out of the way to rest for the night. There was shade for both horses and there was no fear of them wandering off. Not with the fact that they were in the middle of a desert so to speak. Still, it was best that they rested out of the way. No doubt word had spread of Altair's exploits and it was best to avoid confrontation if it wasn't necessary.

Selma took care of the horses while Altair made sure they had wood for a small fire and to find a few things that would go what was in their packs for the journey. She opted to take care of the horses since it would allow her to take care of Ibn. Her loyal friend had landed on Qismat's saddle and chirruped. Kifah made a low sound but didn't react to the falcon's presence.

Selma couldn't help but smile at that. It seemed that the animals could get along at least. She rubbed Kifah's nose as she fed her an apple and murmured, "You struggle each day with your nature, don't you?"

Kifah snorted as she munched on her apple. She allowed Selma to stroke her nose. Selma hummed as she stroked the animal's nose. She then felt Qismat nudge her shoulder, wanting his attention too. She couldn't help but laugh gently at them. They were both spirited animals. Qismat, she knew for certain. Kifah, she observed, and she liked the spirited mare and could see the loyalty she had for her beloved friend.

Qismat was getting impatient and nudged a little harder. Chuckling, Selma stood so she could have both heads resting on her shoulders. She looked at her mount and pressed her forehead to his saying, "Qismat, you rogue. Always jealous like someone else I know."

Qismat rumbled as she ran her hands over the animals' heads. Selma hummed as she turned her head to observe Altair. He had returned with wood and some other odds and ends. It was a surprise and yet not one. Living in this part of the world, you knew what to look for. It was what you did to survive otherwise you were done for when traveling between the cities. She remembered when she first ventured outside of Masyaf to learn this and how nervous she was since she was the only girl. Altair and Malik had been with her though.

Selma watched her beloved friend as she thought about what happened in Jerusalem. Malik had every right to be bitter and angry with Altair. Her friend certainly was sorry. He was ashamed enough to be brash and lash out at her so she wouldn't come. And it was as she told Malik. She was fond of Kadar. She had always seen him as a nice boy, eager to please. She also knew that he had feelings for her, and, like Altair, didn't belittle her for her skills.

She always knew that one day she would be given as a bride to one of Al Mualim's assassins. It was a sort of unspoken bargain between her father and the Mentor of the Brotherhood. Yet, she was also given a choice. She knew this because there were plenty of men in Al-Nasrah that made their intentions clear, but she was not going to make herself pretty to attract a man. He had to accept her for who she was and not a painted doll. In the end, the men at home respected her, but their pride was what kept them from accepting her. The only ones that seemed to accept her were the assassins and she preferred their company more than others at times.

If she had to choose, there was one, but it scared her greatly. She never brought it up and her father didn't force the issue. She was glad that he didn't since she was now able to spend time with the one who had been in her thoughts since she left Masyaf to finish her training. She watched him now, trying to figure out what else she could do to help but not interfere.

"You're spoiling her."

Selma blinked and looked up to see that Altair had come to fetch her. He appeared to have been watching her pet his horse and cuddling her own. She didn't say anything when he added, "And you're spoiling him, too."

She wanted to laugh when Qismat nickered and actually stretched his neck to nip at Altair's hood and pulled it off. Her lip twitched when Altair growled at the horse only to get a whinny that revealed the stallion's teeth like he was laughing at the Eagle of Masyaf. She couldn't keep it in when Kifah decided to join in with her whinny. She laughed as she watched her beloved friend grumble and glare at her.

"They are spoiled," he muttered, almost pouting.

Selma's laugh turned into a chuckle as she rubbed both of their noses. "They are just spirited," she replied. She walked past Altair, pausing to throw back, "And they know who to tease. Like you, my eagle."

Altair would have said something, but his hood was grabbed again by Qismat. He turned and told the horse, "Stop this."

The horse made a sound that almost sounded like a warning and Kifah wasn't making anything easier. Altair looked at both horses. He had forgotten Kifah could be impish when she found a kindred spirit and it seemed that she found it. He looked at her with a slight glare, getting little to no sign of remorse for her behavior. It caused him to sigh in exasperation and say, "You both behave. I am not doing anything."

It felt silly to say that, Altair got the impression that Qismat was jealous and didn't like him. It shouldn't matter but it would make life difficult. The upside was that the falcon Ibn seemed to like him. He sighed and rubbed his forehead. As much as he enjoyed seeing his old friend and having her there, it was difficult. Not because of the missions he was being sent on. She could handle herself. It was… other things.

Malik had made it clear that he would not forgive him if he did something that harmed Selma. He didn't mean it in a physical way, Altair knew that for certain. He knew now that the rafiq cared for his little falcon deeply as a brother does a sibling, but it was easily mistaken for a different kind of caring. Like Altair, Malik protected her from the other brothers that plotted to be the one to take her first time, especially from Abbas, and nearly killed a man for doing it. He was also a confidant to Selma in a way that Altair would never be, and it was enough to invoke feelings of jealousy, but… Altair sighed and watched her.

Even when he met Adha, Selma was always first on his mind. Every day, even when he was at his most arrogant, he thought about the Little Falcon of Al-Nasrah. He prayed that she didn't forget him or the other brothers at Masyaf as time flew forward. He gave up hope of her coming back, but wished her peace. Now she was here and the feelings he had buried along with his current struggle of redemption… He wasn't sure what to do and the last thing he wanted was to inflict Malik's wrath on him to full completion.

Trudging back to where he had set up camp, Altair was struck by a sweet and simple melody. He paused for a moment to listen and it allowed more memories to surface. He continued to make his way forward and took a seat opposite of source of the melody, stretching his arm out for Ibn. He continued to watch her as she sang.

It was a song she used to sing as means of soothing any ills. She had first sung it when Altair had lost his father. She had stolen into his room and cuddled with him that night and sung softly to him. It wasn't proper, and she could have gotten in trouble, but she came to be with him. It was her way of being helpful. He remembered she sang it when he and Abbas had been thrown in the dungeon for a month. He appreciated it. Abbas… not so much.

Altair knew the song. Most of the brothers remembered it from childhood. Mothers usually sang it to their children. Coming from Selma, it was different. And it wasn't the only song she knew. It was a rare treat to hear her sing when she spent her three moons at Masyaf. Al Mualim appreciated her efforts at helping the men refocus by giving them a respite from their training. She was special, not to him, but to the brotherhood.

The last note ended and carried onto the wind. It allowed Altair to voice gently, "It's been too long since I've heard that song."

Selma turned a smirk towards Altair, "Surely you've heard it in the village?"

Altair swallowed. She was making this harder. "Not from you. From you… it's different."

Selma looked at Altair, glad that he couldn't see the blush that was surely forming. She didn't know what to say about that. Instead, she went with what was on her mind, "Just thinking about that first night I snuck down into the dungeons to see you and Abbas."

Altair remembered. "You were forbidden from going down there."

"As if that would stop me." Selma smirked, hiding the fact that she knew the consequences could have been severe now. Then, she saw friends in trouble. "What happened between you two?"

Altair looked away. He had been nursing the grudge for so long that it was a step back to be asked that. "You know what happened, Little Falcon. I told Abbas the truth… he attacked me."

"I remember, but what happened?" Selma waited for a moment before turning her attention to Ibn. She called him over to her arm to feed him. She added, "Just a question or some form I ask when a mission I'm given does not go how it should."

Altair sat there watching Selma. He realized she asked the question not expecting an answer, but to think about his actions and how it got to this point. They both knew what happened then. It seemed that she learned more of the Creed than he did. He couldn't help but smile. It was one of the things he liked about her. She had an innocence about her despite the violence she had seen and partook in. She brought gentility to the brotherhood when she was there, and it was… attractive. He never forgot it.

Watching her, he felt the sudden urge to do something nice for her, to apologize for his behavior. It was most uncharacteristic of him considering how his brothers viewed him, but it wasn't between him and his little falcon. He knew that he had done her wrong and while she agreed to stay by his side for this, he had to make it right. Sitting there, an idea came to him. It sounded ridiculous even to him. It was not the sort of thing he would do on a whim or for just anyone. If Adha were alive, he wouldn't even have considered it. He looked away in the direction of the horses.

It was expected that it would take them a few days to get back to the citadel. There really was no hurry. At least none implied, but there was an expected sense of timeliness. He pondered on it as he shared the campfire with his little falcon.

A/N: Talal is dead and Altair and Selma are on their way back to Masyaf. Seems like its time to slow things down and catch up. Stay tuned for next time on Shades of Grey...