The Raven's Black Shadow

Chapter 6 - Irresistible

A week had passed by, only once did Nasira get agitated with the Master's late decision making. Altaïr had assured her he would make a decision at the right time and she scolded herself for her childish behavior and continued on.

The Brothers began to see her as if she were one of their own, just a female version. She frequented the training grounds and even was given the opportunity to help train the students. Altaïr was almost always there with her, even helping with the demonstrations she wished to show them. She became well known in a short amount of time and she enjoyed not the popularity but the company. She felt like she was home again, all her worries again dissipating like the time her and Altaïr locked blades the first time in the ring.

Her wounds, despite how horrid and deep they were healed quickly and she felt almost no pain when she practiced in the ring. Ameena compliment on how quickly she healed and finally allowed her to keep the bandages off. A large scar was present but Nasira didn't care one bit.

As night rolled around and the moon beginning to rise, it's bright blue light shining within Nasira's window as she lay awake on the cushions of her mat. She couldn't sleep, no matter how hard she tried. Nothing really pressed her mind, nothing that she could think of anyways. Well, that was not entirely true. What did happen to sneak its way into her mind she felt herself redden and pushed the thought aside. With an irritated huff she rose to a stand. The room felt stuffy and she couldn't stand to be indoors any longer. Moving to the door and slipping on her boots and her upper robe she opened the door quietly and peeked out. Not a soul walked the corridors and she quietly stepped out, shutting the door behind her.

Nasira moved silently down the corridors and once out of the building she stuck to the shadows as her namesake foretold. Technically she wasn't restricted to a curfew but she still didn't wish to alert anyone. She moved swiftly down the path towards the stables where she silently slipped inside. She reached Asimah's stall where she was greeted with a soft whinny.

"Shh girl. I hope you won't mind a little ride in the moonlight." She whispered to the mare.

Asimah replied with a nicker and nuzzled her chest. Nasira giggled softly and reached for the bridle that hung beside the stall on a post. She slipped the bridle over the mare's head and quietly unlatching the stall door she led Asimah out. Glancing around she quietly led the mare out of the stables. Before leaving a loud whinny caused her to stop dead in her tracks and cringe. A nose pressed hard against her shoulder and she glanced to the white stallion.

"I'm sorry Junaid, I can't take you as well. I think Altaïr would have my head if I took you with me, even if it was for a short ride." She stroked the stallion's muzzle, having finally asked Altaïr what the stallion's name was after a practice session using the horses.

She continued out of the stables and almost jumped at the low voice that sounded beside her, "Perhaps, but it's also very impolite not to invite the rider as well."

Nasira jerked her gaze to the left which fell upon Altaïr's form leaning against the side of the stable barn. At first from the shadows of the moon casting over his features made it look as if he were angry but with a closer look he held a smirk over his lips that caught her breath in her throat. She recaptured herself, "Well be as it may, the rider must catch up first." Nasira replied with a wicked grin.

In one swift motion she swung herself up onto the mare's back and clicked softly, lightly touching the reins. Asimah needn't any more urging and bolted forward into the moonlight. Nasira did not need to glance behind her to know that Altaïr did not spare a single moment and pulled Junaid out of his stall to pursue her. Nasira lay low over the mare's back as she galloped hard across the path. As she bolted out of the gate, the guards were jolted in startlement at Nasira and Altaïr's forms rushing by. They shrugged and continued with their post.