Author's Note: This is the final chapter of this fanfiction. :( Writing this over was truly enjoyable for me and I hope it was just as enjoyable for you all. I'll see you guys in the rest of my work. :)

Enjoy!

I was happy with the life I'd lived so far. I had a loving family who provided me with everything I had wanted. They did not force my into anything like they did to my older sister. I wondered why that was, but I had no complaints. I did not want to be pushed into a marriage, have children and be unhappy. I saw the roll it took on my sister at first and I wouldn't want that for anyone. I was free to do what I wanted for the most part, except for the odd regulations of this apparently rare emancipation.

I never suspected the illegitimacy of being their daughter until I noticed the difference between my family and I. The overwhelming realization that I looked nothing like my mother and father; not like my siblings had. Still, I did not say a single word to anyone regarding these thoughts.

I was completely torn on the day I found out that I was not truly part of my family. Yet, my siblings accepted me as if our mother had carried me in her womb: they saw me as one of them. My father loved me all the same. As for my mother, her love for me was the same, unconditional love she had for her own real children. They all reassured me that I was still as much a part of them as I always had been and that I always will be.

Then, they handed me the book. The brown leather book with some sort of symbol pressed into the cover. "This is from your father," my father said, "Your true father." My eyes widened in shock as I held my shaking hands out to embrace the book within them.

"This does not chance you, Kamilah. Not in our eyes. You are a part of this family just as much as the rest of us and we love you deeply." my mother reassured me in tears.

I broke into tears. A part of me felt cast out in that very moment, as if my time of being loved and cared for by these people had abruptly come to its end. My feet carried me to my chambers as quickly as they could and I collapsed, screaming into my cushions as I didn't know how else to express the painful uncertainty of what had just occurred.

My parents. My Siblings. It was all a lie. They all knew and never told me. They just let me believe that I was another part of the family. They had me believe that my mother carried me in her womb when the truth was that I was given up by my own birth parents. My real mother and father did not even want the burden of my life, so they gave me up to these people, who raised me out of sympathy and pity.

How did I even come to be part of this family? Was I abandoned and either my mother, father or sister found me?

I needed to leave that place. I had to. How could I take advantage of what they'd given me any more than I already had? Yet, I stayed in my chambers for many days. I did not eat. I couldn't eat. At some point, they sent for my sister to come and speak with me. At least, that is what I assumed. She was the only one who could get through to me when I was saddened or frustrated.

"Kamilah, have you even read the book given to you?" she asked and I looked at the beautiful item cradled in my arms. I did not. "Kamilah, speak to me, please." she begged. I said not a word. She lied down with me, holding me and I cried into her embrace. "I cannot imagine your pain. You are my sister and I hurt to see you like this. Truly, this does not change anything for us, Kamilah."

I stood up and looked at her, "Liar!" I burst out, "You are all liars! You raised me out of pity! You raised me because I was just some small child whose own parents couldn't love me enough to—"

"Do not accuse us of such horrid things! Have we not shown you love and care?" she asked. I could feel the pain in her voice from my words. "How could you think that it was only a pitiful love? Do you truly believe that my love for you is just compassion? Or that your birth parents did not love you? A book handed to our mother and father so it could be given to you at the right time does not indicate loveless parents." she defended not only her own family, but my real parents as well. She reached over and embraced me once more, holding my face in her hands afterwards, "Read the book, Kamilah. I am sure your answers are within." she said and walked toward the door, turning around for a moment, "And please, eat something. You look awful." she suggested and with that, she was gone.

I could not bear the thought of food. I had absolutely no appetite. Instead, I picked up the book and look at the cover. I looked at the enticing emblem pressed into the leather for several moments before opening up to the first page.

To my beautiful and precious daughter, Kamilah. It read. I slammed it shut for a moment and took a deep breath before opening it back up, staring at the name curiously.

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.

I was born in a village called Masyaf. I came from a line of those who fought for peace amongst mankind, known as the Assassins, who waged war against those who called themselves Templars—those who fought to enslave all others. My father, Altaïr, was an outstanding Assassin. He was the most skilled and highly trained in the art of silently taking a life. As gruesome a thought as it was, a part of me felt proud. A pride for my father, that he stood up for what he believed in: freedom.

My mother, Aaliyah, was married to my father at fifteen years of age, as most girls are married once becoming women, or are at least betrothed to someone—usually at the sign of womanhood. My mother was promised to Altaïr by her own father and the one known as the 'Master', Al Mualim. The marriage was carried through once her father had passed, since she had little stability when her father lost his life.

My father said he loved her very much, long before they had even learnt of the arrangement; even though he was supposed to show nothing but loyalty to Al Mualim. She used to follow him around, or watch him train from afar and they rarely ever spoke to each other if at all. They used to spend several moments staring at each other before one of them broke the gaze. He said there was something about her he could never get over; that he wanted her to be his when she became of age. He admitted to being excited about being the one chosen for her, though he didn't express it to anyone except for his good friend, Malik Al-Sayf. However, over the course of time after their marriage, he became cruel to her for many years, causing her to flee from him when he threatened her life in a fit of anger one day. He learnt of her sudden disappearance upon his return and immediately followed her tracks from multiple cities before finding her. It was then that he confessed to his infidelity and pleaded for her forgiveness.

They became stronger once they returned to Masyaf and from their reconciliation, I was born. Then, there was a second child on the way. The child, however, did not survive. My mother had fallen down the stairs in the Masyaf Castle. It tore my parents apart, hardly ever speaking or seeing each other. One day after the incident, she left me with Malik and his wife, Farrah, and ran away once more. My father wasted no time in finding her again.

But...upon finding her once more to return with her to Masyaf, my parents were attacked by a group of Templars and my mother lost her life. My father gave me to my parents a couple of years later.

They became stronger once they returned to Masyaf and from their reconciliation, I was born. Then, there was a second child on the way. The child, however, did not survive. My mother had slipped down the stairs in the Masyaf Castle, losing her footing. It tore my parents apart, hardly ever speaking or seeing each other. One day after the incident, she left me with Malik and his wife, Amani, and ran away once more. My father wasted no time in finding her again.

But, upon returning to Masyaf yet again, my parents were attacked by a group of Templars…and my mother lost her life. My father gave me to my parents a couple of years later.

I reconciled with my parents. I understood that it was not as I thought it had been. I understood that they accepted me with arms wide open and carried out my father's wishes. It is why I was not forced into a marriage and had so much freedom.

With permission, my parents arranged for me to visit Masyaf. it was a long and tedious journey, involving hiding many times to ensure my own safety. I was given weapons, of course, should I need to defend myself. I was taught basic swordsmanship, just enough to help myself if needed. I was encouraged to remember that fighting was in my blood and despite my innocence, my instincts would keep me alive. Still, I was sent with a couple of our guards for protection.

I was lucky enough to not have to fight during my journey. It resonated in my mind that I was travelling the same path that brought my birth mother's death so unexpectedly. Nevertheless, I'd finally made it. I stood in front of the massive gate sealing the village off from the rest of the world. There were two guards in front of me. Before proceeding to try and get past them, I opened the book once more.

I close this book as a chance to move on. I loved your mother more than words could possibly ever express, my daughter. I am sorry that I did not take care of you. I do not want you to feel as if I did not want you in my life. You had stayed with me for a couple of years before I gave you to your family. Know that I did so in order for you to have a better life. I could not take seeing your beautiful face. Knowing that I could not protect your mother, I felt as if I was not worthy enough to have you. I did not have the right to care for you if I could not care for your mother. I love you, Kamilah, my precious daughter. Perhaps our paths will cross once more some day.

"Who goes there?" one of the guards asked. I froze in place for a moment, closing the book. What should I say?

"I am Kamilah Ibn-La'Ahad. I am the daughter of Altaïr and Aaliyah." I said confidently, hoping that i would grant me access to the village.

The guards looked at each other for a moment before turning their sight back to me. "Proceed" one of them said, and they began opening the gate. I nodded and thanked them with a small smile as I walked through the giant wooden doors.

I calmly walked through the village, observing everything in sight. I wondered wht had changed since I'd left. Then again, I hardly remembered anything about this place. Despite feeling the sense of familiarity, I couldn't made the connection to my past. The only thing I knew was that I felt some unexpected comfort as I slowly tried to make my way to the castle.

It didn't take long for the uncertainty and nervousness to slowly begin coursing through me, like the light suddenly hitting the earth upon the sun's rise and intensifying over time. What was I going to say when and if I saw my father? How would I even know it was him? I decided that asking someone for help would be the best option.

"Excuse me, I am here to visit Altaïr. Where may I find him?" I asked a man with one arm. He looked at me with a rather shocked expression upon his face, staying silent.

"Are you alright?" I asked, unsure if I'd said something to upset him.

"S-sorry...he's...he's..."

"My apologies. Is there something that is wrong? Do you need any assistance?" I asked, getting quite concerned.

"I will take you." he abruptly said.

I smiled, "Are you sure? I would appreciate that very much."

"Of course." he said, still staring at me before we began to walk.

I did not want him helping me to be uncomfortable for either us, so I decided to start a small conversation, "What is your name?" I asked him.

He let out a small laugh, "Do you not remember me, Kamilah?" he asked.

I was taken back, not just by his question, but mostly because he knew my name, "How do you know my name?"

"My wife, Farrah, and I cared for you on some occasions. Your mother spent a lot of time with her."

"You are Malik Al-Sayf." I stated and he nodded in response.

"Farrah is elsewhere at this moment. My brother, Kadar, passed away and his wife, Dania, is hardly seen anymore. They would both love to see you. They were very close friends of your mother, after all."

"I understand why you seemed so surprised when I approached you, now." I smiled.

"Yes," he admitted, "To be honest, I thought that I would never see you again. We were all torn the day you were given to your family. You were the child of Masyaf, loved by all. I recognize your face. You look like Aaliyah, but your eyes are Altaïr's."

I felt a warm comfort upon those words, hearing that I looked so much like my mother, "What is his life like now?" I asked, not feeling the need to elaborate that I was asking about my father.

"He is the Master, now. He is married with some children."

"I see." i said, unsure of going through with this reunion. If he was happy with his life, why should I come back into it once more? I felt like my presence would disrupt his peace.

"He has not forgotten you or your mother, Kamilah." he reassured me. Perhaps he sense my uncertainty.

"Thank you." I said with a smile, grateful for his compassion.

Finally arriving, he led me up the stairs to my father's desk. Malik made me feel confident and that no matter what I say, my father would accept me once more with open arms. I thanked Malik and watched him walk away for several moments before turning my gaze to my father, who was standing and looking out of the large window. I pulled up the hood to cover my face. Despite Malik's reassuring words, I wanted to see for myself if they would be true.

"M-Master Altaïr." I spoke nervously, hearing the tremble in my own voice.

"Yes?" he replied, walking toward the desk. He didn't meet my gaze, but rather looked at items laid out on the table in front of us. I was only able to assume this by his hand touching some of the items.

"I bring news of Kamilah." I said simply.

"What of her? Does she live? Is she well?" he asked quickly. I will not deny it: the concern in his voice brought a smile to my lips.

"Yes, she lives." I reassured him.

"How is she?" he asked.

I decided to not make him wait any longer. I removed my hood and lifted my head to meet his eyes, "I am good, father." I spoke gently.

His eyes widened as he looked at me, "Kamilah..."

Hearing him say my name with relief and awe in his voice brought warmth to my heart. My father was happy to see me. I did not know what to do. It would seem that I didn't have to think, as my body took control and ran into his arms, wrapping my own around him tightly with my face buried into his robes, "Father..." I spoke with a shaky voice as he embraced me. I did not understand this feeling of comfort with him. I'd just met him for the first time that I knew of, yet I felt such safety.

"My daughter..." he said and I looked up at him, "How did you find me?" he asked, tears escaping his eyes.

"The book you gave to me, father." I said, taking it out and handing it to him. He looked at the cover as he held it for a while, his fingers running down the pressed emblem before handing it back to me.

"You have grown up so beautifully. You look just like your mother." he said, smiling as he gently cupped my cheek. I wiped away the tears that were blurring my vision, "Come, let us sit and talk." he offered, leading me to a beautiful garden on the opposite side of the castle entrance, where my mother was buried in front of a white rose bush. I'd never seen flowers so beautiful and they too became my favourite flower. He clipped one of the roses from the bush and took out the thorns, handing it to me.

We spoke for many hours, telling each other of our lives and what we had planned for the future. I had no official plans. I had only become of age not too long ago. The world had just opened up for me. He planned to continue leading the Assassins in the right direction.

I asked him many questions about my mother: what she was like, how she dressed, what colour her hair and eyes were. I wish I knew her. He later showed me a few pictured that he had drawn of her, one whilst she was sleeping. She was breathtaking. He allowed me to take one of the pictures and I chose the one of her sitting in the garden, holding a flower. I would cherish it for the rest of my days.

I learnt that I inherited my love for reading and adventures from him, my love for exotic clothing and sewing coming from my mother. These things that I had thought were just little aspects of my own personality had, in reality, come from my parents.

He told me that he was the cause of Kadar losing his life and Malik losing his arm. It was a situation where he acted supreme and irrational, resulting harm to his closest friend and cost the life of another. As punishment for his actions, he was stripped of his rank back down to what they called a 'novice', which Malik jeered him for every chance that he got. He had to start all over again: a journey of redemption, proof that he had the right to carry the title of a 'Master Assassin'. It was during this time that he met a woman named Maria Thorpe—a Templar, who he developed feelings for during a journey later on and eventually made her his wife. She gave birth to my brothers, Sef and Darim.

I met Maria. She was a lovely lady and harboured no hatred for me. Rather, she accepted me and welcomed me to be a part of their lives. She and my father wanted me to come back more often so i could meet my brothers. I would have loved to meet them and accepted their offer.

When I met Farrah and Dania, they would not let me out of their arms. They cried and held on to me, explaining how much I looked like my mother, which i seemed to get from everyone that knew her. They told me that my father used to stop his teachings to play with me and that my mother used to dress me in the most unusual clothing, placing flowers in my hair and making fresses for me to parade around the village in. I lived like a princess and was treated like one by all of the villagers, just like Malik had mentioned earlier.

My father cried. "We could have rode away, but my duty to eliminate those Templars overcame my duty as a husband and a father. It was my biggest mistake," he explained, "Ever since her burial, I have been haunted by her face. It frightened me the first night, but I got used to it eventually. it doesn't happen as often anymore, but I cherish the moments that they do. Maria does not hold this against me and I am grateful for that, but I know I do not deserve to see her beautiful face again."

"Do not be harsh on yourself, father. Be grateful that you have an understanding wife that reassures you about your guilt for my mother's death." I smiled and he looked at me.

"Your confidence and reassurance...you have become so much like your mother. I am glad that you did not take by my own nature, Kamilah."

"But I did. Of course I did," I said with a smile, "and I am grateful for what part of you I have with me."

"My daughter," he said, placing a hand on my cheek, "Come, it is getting late. We should rest. I will have a place prepared for you for the night."

"Thank you, father." I said gratefully.

He had my chambers prepared for the night and returned to me, "I was looking for you," he spoke, "You truly are like I am." he smiled, looking at the bookshelves, "I used to hide here when your mother was upset with me, or when I had complaints and spoke to Malik."

"These books are truly fascinating." I said in awe. I wanted to read them all, but I knew I never could. I would enjoy them while I had the chance. I was interested in the history of the Assassins and Templars, voicing that I would love to learn more of them.

He showed me to my chambers so that I knew of its location, but let me return to the library and indulge myself in the books I was so intrigued by, recommending a few to me.

I rested very little that night despite my better judgement. I spent most of my time reading about the Assassins and Templars, learning many things that I had no idea was going on even in my own city of Jerusalem. It made me wonder if I had actually ever seen my father before and never realized it, as I didn't even know of his existence until recently; or if he'd seen me and if so, why he didn't approach me. I suppose it was a matter of me having a better life and if he saw me, he left me to live in the blissful ignorance he created for me.

When the sun began to rise, I met my father at his desk. I had to return to Jerusalem as my parents said, but I did not want to. The short time I had spent with him would be one I would never forget. I felt at home. Perhaps it was because I spent my first four years of life in this place. But it was not my home, no. My home was with my mother and father, who raised me and loved me all the same. I was at peace to know that I was loved elsewhere. I was at peace to know that I was not given up simply because I was unwanted. I was given to a beautiful family so that I could have a life that my father felt I deserved.

At the gates, I said goodbye to Malik, Farrah and Dania before I embraced my father, crying into his robes and holding on to him.

"This is just like ten years ago," Farrah cried and Malik held her.

"You did this to me when you were given to your mother and father." he said, his voice cracking.

"Did what?" I asked through my cries.

"You held on to me, refusing to let go and crying for your dear little life. You clung on to my robes, pulling on it when either your mother or father tried to take you, tearing a part of my heart out with each pull. I had to hold you and wait until you fell asleep before handing you to them." he explained, tears flowing down his face as he relived the memory of our separation.

"I love you, father!" I cried erratically. I didn't fully understand how I could become so saddened by leaving this place.

My father tightened his embrace, "I love you, Kamilah. That will never change," he comforted me. once he let me go, he wiped my tears away and gave me a kiss on my forehead, "You do not want to miss much time for your journey ahead." he reminded me, walking me to my horse as I was hesitant to move. When I was upon it, I bent over, giving him a kiss on his forehead in return.

He sent a couple of Assassins with me to ensure I made it back to Jerusalem safely and I was grateful for his concern. As I reigned my horse into a gentle gallop, I looked back at him for several moments before turning around to head home with the guards surrounding me for protection.

Upon arrival, I told my family about my visit. I told them about my mother's tragic fate and what led my father to hand me to them. I told them about meeting my mother and father's closest friends, who were mentioned in the book, not bringing up Kadar's death. I did not feel as if telling them about the nature of my father's work was a good discussion, albeit they were already aware.

I carried on with my life happily, sending letters to my father and receiving a few in return. I took up the business of making and selling beautiful clothing. This is how I eventually met an Assassin who I fell in love with and married. I had given birth to our first child within the first year of our marriage: to our daughter, Aaliyah, who is two years of age now. Perhaps we will have more one day. For now, it is just us three and I am happy with the life I've lived so far.

I have not seen my father since.

≺) [ṃȧƌạṁeḤuɲʈǝrr]