The Raven's Black Shadow

Chapter 7 - The Master's Decision

A light knocking rose Nasira from her sleep. She didn't move at first, realizing she was curled tightly against Altaïr's side, whom was still sleeping beside her. The knocking sounded again and her eyes opened.

"Uh Nasira ma'am?" A soft female voice sounded on the other side.

Nasira heard the woman's hand touch the doorknob and she quickly lifted herself up, "Er, yes sorry what is it?" She asked, her voice still a little hoarse from just waking up.

Nasira felt Altaïr stir under her as she had placed a hand on his chest when she rose. She knew he was listening and aware of the situation. The woman did not open the door upon hearing Nasira's voice, "I'm sorry to disturb you ma'am but the Grand Master has sent for you. However, if you happen to come across Altaïr can you tell him he is being summoned as well if no one else finds him?"

"Thank you I will do that." Nasira answered, her voice cracking as a smile spread across her lips upon the woman's last comment.

Nasira listened as the woman moved away and waited for her footsteps to disappear before she lowered her head to rest ontop of Altaïr's chest and laughed, "Please tell me I don't need to repeat what she said I don't think I could without laughing." She said, her face pressed against his robes.

She felt him laugh lightly beneath her, "No but I could just to see you squirm."

Nasira turned her head to see a smirk on his face, his eyes opened and upon her, "You would too wouldn't you?"

Altaïr suddenly gripped her sides and lifted her, spinning her around and pinning her against the floor. He grinned down at her, "In a heartbeat." He answered and lowered himself to plant a soft but passionate kiss on her lips.

She giggled beneath his kiss and returned the favor. They remained in that position for a few moments before he broke apart and stood. He held out his hands which she grasped and he pulled her to her feet, "I suppose we should go and see what it is the Master wishes to see us about." He said as she straightened her robes.

Nasira moved to the windows and pulled back the drapes again, allowing sunlight to flood the room. She glanced out the window, running her fingers through her tossled hair, thankful her hair was fairly thin and straight. Stepping away she moved to where Altaïr stood as he had begun to replace his weapons over his body. She bent down and picked up her sword belt and buckled it to her waist. She also grabbed the shoulder strap that contained her throwing knives and buckled it over around her shoulder. She glanced up to see him place the last bit of weapons on him and rose a brow. She shook her head and stepped to the door, "You're slow."

Altaïr stepped up behind her and pressed a finger into her side causing her to jump and about to squeal but he had clamped a hand over her mouth as the door was opened a crack, "Shh." He whispered in her ear.

Nasira pulled his hand off her mouth and turned her head slightly to look at his not so innocent smile, "That was your own fault you jerk."

Altaïr chuckled and as she opened the door Nasira poked her head out and glanced both ways, Altaïr standing directly behind her. Seeing their path was safe she stepped out into the hallway, Altaïr shutting the door behind them. They walked down the hall to the courtyard and moved to the main building. Passing through the entrance, they climbed the stairs and eventually came to where the Grand Master stood infront of his desk, once again deep within one of his many books.

Nasira and Altaïr stood infront of the desk, keeping quiet until the Master spoke first, as was the rule. He continued his reading, the two waiting patiently. He flipped a page and almost seemed to continue but instead picked up a small white ribbon and placed it between the pages and closed the book. His gaze rose to fall upon the two Assassin's forms, waiting patiently and their eyes following him.