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DRAGON PRINCE S7 SPOILERS

Welcome back King Harrow, you’re gonna love this song:

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DRAGON PRINCE S7 SPOILER ALERT:

No they did not ruin Ezran’s character this season. They’ve been building up to it for a while now.

Look, I am not a person who enjoys seeing an innocent character mentally snap when confronted with the horrors of the world, but in Ezran’s case it feels inevitable given what he’s gone through and where the story is going.

Remember in Season 4 when he gives this speech:

He then says that he chooses to move forward towards peace, instead of falling into a cycle of violence.

But that doesn’t mean he’s not still angry.

There’s a companion short story that goes a little deeper into Ezran’s feelings:

More here: https://thedragonprince.com/deepbelow/

This characterization of Ezran isn’t back peddling his arc, it’s an inevitable boiling over of all the hurt and pain he’s been dealing with. It doesn’t help that the only family he has left totally ditched him when he needed him in his time of need *cough* Callum *cough*

Luckily he had Aanya, who is probably the only person who understands what he’s going through.

This doesn’t make Ezran a bad person, and it doesn’t mean his character is ruined. It just means he’s not exempt from letting his feelings get the best of him, like any other human (or elf).

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Earlier in the game I think little Connor says this after almost running into someone and it translated to “I’m Sorry!”

So maybe it literally means “I made a mistake” but maybe it’s used in place of “I’m Sorry”

Good people of Tumblr, I need your help.

Can someone confirm or deny that this actually means "I made a mistake"? Because that's all I can find on Reddit... and in short, I don't trust Reddit.

This whole thing might sound stupid, because it's either that or it isn't, but my white ass cannot find enough Kanien'kéha resources online to actually check, so I was wondering if someone of you people might know more or know someone who actually speaks the language to check

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The Aftermath | A Starcrossed One Shot

When an injured Roshan is nursed back to health by an old acquaintance, she uncovers new secrets in the aftermath of Basim’s betrayal. Set 2 months after the event of AC Mirage.

Roshan stumbled her way in through a series of doors and hallways. She limped carefully, using the walls as a guide and support. She had no idea where she was exactly since it was so dark, but something in her guided her by muscle memory to this exact spot. Wherever she was, she knew it was familiar and safe…at least safer than where the guards were.

With one hand clasping her midsection and one hand guiding her on the wall, she used her gift to find a place to hide. Glowing a dim gold in the distance, a door came into view in the darkness, and she didn’t hesitate to reach for it.

Roshan shut it behind her, feeling some relief wash over her for a moment. She found herself sliding down the wall, feeling a deep ache in her muscles as the adrenaline left her. Glancing down at her midsection, she noticed it was still damp with blood. How much of it had she lost, she wasn’t sure, she only hoped it wasn’t enough to leave a trail behind.

She had little time to worry about that now. Her lids grew heavy with a need for sleep, and she tried to fight it. The exhaustion coupled with the amount of blood she lost was not a good sign. She tried every trick she had to keep herself awake as she applied more pressure to her wound.

Her heart rate jumped at the sound of footsteps in the distance, but she felt weighted down to the floor. What was the point of trying to move? She was injured and in no condition to fight.

Still, to no avail, the need for rest overtook Roshan in an instant. The moment the door of the room opened, she lost consciousness.

_________________________________________________________

Slowly, Roshan blinked her eyes open to find herself in an unfamiliar room. It was dimly lit, and her eyes struggled to adjust to the darkness. There were stacks of books surrounding the place, as if it were a storage area of sorts, rearranged to accommodate someone sleeping there. She figured as much as she was laying on a straw mat covered with numerous blankets and pillows. Whoever put her here wanted her to be as comfortable as possible.

There were bandages wrapped around her stomach and chest, and her weapons and armor were gone. Roshan tried sitting up, tensing when she felt a dull ache in her abdomen.

“She’s awake,” A deep voice said near her.

“Where am I?” She wondered to herself, feeling for the pain in her abdomen. Her fingers ghosted over the snug bandages wrapped around her body, wondering who put them there.

A pair of gentle hands guided her to lay back down, “Don’t strain yourself, Roshan,” said a woman’s voice.

Her eyes finally adjusted to the lighting, and she saw a bearded man and a rather young looking woman crouched by her side. They wore matching fine robes of rich browns, green and gold. Roshan could have spent more time gathering details from their appearance, but her eyes lingered on the woman, realizing she knew her.

Her hair, while covered, peaked out from under their confines. The stray curls framed her face, which was scattered with moles, the most prominent being the one on her eyebrow.

The woman in question sighed with relief, “Alhamdualah, you’re alright.” She clasped one of Roshan’s hands.

The old woman squinted, “Nashira?” Her voice was even more gravely than usual, “What am I doing here?”

Nashira furrowed her brows, “You don’t remember?” She shared a worried glance with the bearded man next to her, “I found you all bloodied when I arrived at the House of Wisdom for my morning class. I was on my way to the library when I noticed a trail of blood. My husband and I brought you to our home so you could heal in a safe place.”

Roshan listened intently. Of course her muscle memory led her to the House of Wisdom. Years ago she had once lived there herself, in a time when she was a rouge with nowhere else to go. Those days were a long, long, time ago.

She groaned, feeling her head pounding, “How long was I out?”

“Two days.” Nashira answered, “But you’re alright. The doctor says you’ll make a full recovery with some rest.”

The bearded man nodded, “Yes, you’ll be able to return to your home in no time.” He said. The man said the words not knowing how they came out, completely oblivious to how backhanded they sounded.

Roshan furrowed her brows. She had no home anymore, not since she left the Hidden One’s months ago. Staying in the inn’s under this condition would prove unwise without a way to defend herself. Judging by the lingering pain, it would be a long time before she’d be able to fight again.

Nashira sent her husband a look, cocking up one of her eyebrows at him. It almost amused Roshan how quickly the man’s face turned beet red once he caught on to his mistake.

He cleared his throat, “T-that came out wrong.” He nervously stroked his beard, “What I meant was you’re welcome to stay as long as you like! Please,” he clasped his hands together, “It’s no inconvenience at all.”

His genuine smile told Roshan he meant every word.

Out of the corner of Roshan’s eye, she saw a little white cat stalk it’s way over to Nashira’s side. The cat seemed to tilt its head in curiosity at the sight of the older woman. Roshan remembered the cat must have been Halah, the fluffy cat Nashira kept close to her while staying in the Abbasiyah Bureau.

Omar cleared his throat again, “I have a class to teach soon and need to prepare for it. Will you be alright tending to your friend on your own?”

Nashira nodded, “Of course. I’ll see you when you get home.”

Omar furrowed his brows, “You’re sure? I can always reschedule-”

“I’m fine. Really, I am.” She insisted. She looked as though she tried to force a smile, but it definitely wasn’t convincing, at least not to Roshan. It seemed to be enough for Omar.

He gave her a reluctant smile back, and gently squeezed Nashira’s hand, “I’ll be home soon. Roshan, please make yourself at home. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you need anything.” He said before heading out the door.

The silence in the room was broken only by the echoes of Omar’s footsteps. They both waited until it was quiet to speak.

“How much does he know?” Roshan asked just above a whisper, as if she anticipated someone was listening.

“He thinks you are an old friend of my father’s.” Nashira explained, “He knows nothing about your ties to the Hidden Ones.”

Roshan relaxed after hearing that.

Nashira tilted her head, “What happened to you?” She asked, shifting closer to examine some of Roshan’s injuries. The bandages needed to be changed, but at least they didn’t look as bad as when she first arrived here.

“I got into it with some guards who thought I looked suspicious.” She grunted,” They ended up getting the better of me…this time.” She gestured to her midsection.

She glanced at her wrist, where her Hidden Blade once was. She hadn’t realized until now how much she relied on it in combat. If she had it on her, would she have been so easy to take down? She wondered this to herself. Years of training could never leave her body, at least not this quickly. Yet, losing the weapon she was most comfortable with for close combat meant she needed to adjust to yet another change in her life.

“You must have been through so much…” Nashira squinted her eyes in the dim lighting, “What about this injury here on your shoulder?” She pointed to the scar there. It didn’t require a bandage, but it looked much newer than the other scars along Roshan’s arms and shoulders.

Roshan grimaced, her mind flashing back to the events leading to her receiving that scar, “That one I got as a parting gift from our old friend.” She shot Nashira a look.

Nashira furrowed her brows, then her eyes widened when the realization set in, “Basim did that to you?”

Roshan simply nodded.

She took the time to really look at Nashira. She had bags under her brown eyes, looking as though she lacked quite a few nights sleep. Even her cheeks, which were normally round and plump, seemed hollow in comparison. She had clearly lost some weight since the last time Roshan saw her.

She knew not what to make of Nashira’s demeanor. No doubt it had been months since she saw Basim as well. Plus, if her initial hunch was correct, which they often were, she knew for a fact Nashira and Basim were not just friends like she claimed in their first meeting. Something was definitely going on between them.

Nashira swallowed hard, “H-he is not looking for you….is he?” Nashira asked, a slight sense of panic edging in her voice.

Roshan shook her head, “I doubt it.” She couldn’t help but linger on her shaken demeanor. Roshan had only spoken to Nashira a handful of times, namely during the few days Basim insisted she stay in the bureau for her protection. Even as Roshan drilled her with questions, one thing that stuck out to her was how Nashira didn’t back down and her voice never shook once. This voice, however, seemed so much smaller in comparison.

“You look troubled.” Roshan said.

“I’m fine,” She swallowed hard, clasping her hands together in her lap, “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all…”

Before Roshan could press further, her stomach rumbled so loud it caused Halah to jump.

Nashira picked up the cat and stood up, “You must be starving. I’ll bring you some food.” She pet Halah to calm her down from the sudden scare. Roshan noticed the action seemed to calm her down as well.

Without another word, she left, leaving Roshan with more questions than answers.

____________________________________________

For the next few days, Nashira kept a close eye on Roshan. Roshan returned the favor by observing her as she slowly regained strength.

Most days, Nashira would tend to Roshan unless a home doctor was around to monitor her healing progress. Whenever they were alone, Roshan tried many times to get Nashira to talk about Basim. Every single time, Nashira shut her down.

“Did he say anything to you? Anything about what happened in Alamut?” She asked while Nashira helped her change the bandages around her torso..

Nashira’s mouth pressed in a straight line, focusing completely on the task at hand. It seemed as though she was trying to force away a bad memory.

“What exactly happened between you two?” Roshan pressed on.

“Roshan, please-” she snapped, then let out a deep breath to calm herself, “Please. I need to focus.” She said as she continued wrapping Roshan’s torso with bandages.

Nashira’s behavior struck Roshan as odd. She seemed exhausted all the time. When they shared meals together, she couldn’t help but notice Nashira only picked at her food before giving the rest to Halah, who graciously finished it off. Sometimes, she’d be so deep in thought, it would take Roshan calling her name a number of times before she responded.

Eventually, Roshan healed enough to walk around the house for a bit. She hated staying idle and desperately needed to move her body. At her age, it was easy for her muscles to grow stiff if she didn’t take proper care of them.

Lucky for her, Omar and Nashira’s home was large and spacious. Near the center of the property was an enclosed courtyard garden with a lovely fountain in the center. Roshan often went out there to enjoy the peace and quiet a feel the sun on her skin; a welcome change to being cooped up inside.

One morning on her way to the courtyard, Roshan managed to walk past Nashira and Omar’s room. The muffled voices on the other side of the door were much too loud to be a casual conversation.

“Nashira please, you need to take better care of yourself.” She overheard Omar saying.

“I told you I’m fine,” Nashira insisted, “I’m just a little stressed with everything going on lately.”

“That is what I mean,” Omar explained, “You’re barely eating or sleeping these days. Nashira, you must think of your condition.”

“You don’t need to worry yourself with my condition.” Nashira’a voice grew tense as she spoke.

“Of course I do, I’m your husband.” He raised his voice, “You’ve hardly been to your observatory and you’ve canceled all your classes. You’re not like yourself anymore.” He paused, “I haven’t seen you like this since Khalid-”

“Just stop!!” She snapped, “I don’t want to talk right now.”

The bedroom door swung open. Roshan didn’t have time to hide or walk away before Nashira laid eyes on her.Had she not stopped in her tracks at the sight of Roshan, Nashira would have collided into her.

The two of them shared a tense, wordless stare with each other. Nashira’s eyes were big with trepidation as Roshan stared back at her, like a part of her she was trying so desperately to hide had been exposed.

Before Roshan could apologize for eavesdropping, Nashira’s face twisted with discomfort and she bolted down the hall without a word.

Confused, Roshan glanced at Omar, who had poked his head out of the bedroom door. He hardly paid any attention to Roshan, instead focusing on his wife who ducked into the washroom all the way at the end of the hall.

“You're not going to go after her?” Roshan asked.

Omar sighed, “It might be best I keep my distance for now.”

Roshan raised a brow, “Why do you say that?”

“It’s her morning sickness again.” He explained.

Roshan's eyes widened, “She’s pregnant?”

Omar tilted his head, “She didn’t tell you?”

Omar was clearly under the impression that she and Nashira were much closer than they really were. She hardly noticed the signs in Nashira: her tiredness, her mood swings, the way she picked at her food. Looking back on it now it all seemed so obvious.

Omar’s eyes grew sad, “My apologies, I don’t mean to bother you with all of this, it's just…I thought she’d be happier. It’s our first child after all,” a hint of a smile showed on his face as a feeling of pride hit him, “Instead she hasn’t been taking care of herself and she won’t talk to me. It’s just like the days after her father passed…” His chest ached as his mind flooded with memories of that time.

An uneasy feeling washed over Roshan, suddenly feeling like she was being thrust too far into a very delicate situation.

Roshan cast her eyes down the hallway, “Perhaps I can talk to her.”

“Would you? Please, If it’s something I’m doing wrong, o-or not doing right, I want to know. I just want her to be happy again.” Omar pleaded with her, “…I promised her father I’d make her happy.”

Roshan nodded, making her way down the hall.

She put her ear to the door of the washroom. It was clear by the retching sounds that Nashira was throwing up.

She knocked, “Nashira? It’s me.” She said, doubting that would bring the young woman any comfort.

“Go away!” Nashira shouted back. Roshan was the last person she wanted to see right now.

Roshan, of course, entered the washroom anyway.

Nashira sat on the tiled floor, her back pressed against the cool stone wall. The only sounds in the room were her labored breathing as she tried to steady herself.

Roshan closed the door behind her. She found a rag nearby and grabbed it, moving to sit next to Nashira. She handed the rag to her and she accepted it, using it to wipe the sweat from her brows as well as the corners of her mouth.

They sat in silence for some time as Nashira got her bearings again. The coolness of the stone wall soothed her in the moment, bringing her body temperature back to normal. Though she didn’t want to admit it, Roshan’s presence comforted her as well.

“I hear you’re pregnant.” Roshan said, matter-of-factly, “Your husband told me.”

Nashira swallowed hard, “…I am.” She left it at that, not continuing the conversation any further than that.

Roshan braced herself for the very sensitive question she needed to ask next. With a sigh, and in a much quieter tone, she looked Nashira in the eye and asked, “…Is it Basim’s?”

There was no answer said aloud, yet Roshan understood when Nashira’s face fell from shame.

Tears welled up in Nashira’s eyes. She wordlessly nodded, not wanting to admit it out loud for that would make everything feel too real.

Roshan had never been good with comforting people. She only ever had words of wisdom to share with those she felt needed them most. Right now, however, she was speechless.

All she could do was place a hand on Nashira’s back as she wept.

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“Who else knows?” Roshan asked after some time.

Nashira sniffled, having calmed down some, and in a quiet voice said “Just you…and Halah.”

Roshan rolled her eyes at the mention of the cat, “Have you told Basim?”

Nashira’s jaw tightened at the mention of his name, “I don’t want him anywhere near my baby.” Her hand migrated to her belly in a protective gesture.

Roshan hadn’t expected that response, “Tell me, what happened between you?” She asked with a slight hint of concern in her voice, “Any time I mention Basim it seems to upset you.”

Nashira took some time to gather her thoughts before speaking, “Basim came to see me sometime after he returned from Alamut. I already knew I was pregnant by then. I was already experiencing the symptoms before my husband came home…”

She leaned her head back against the stone wall, “I couldn’t tell you how relieved I was when he came back. I wanted so badly to tell him the news but…he was acting so strange. He sounded so unlike himself…”

Tears welled in her eyes again as the scene replayed in her mind. She pictured Basim’s cold demeanor, his loveless eyes, and heard sickening disregard in his voice all over again.

“He said it was over between us. Then he left me. Ever since that day I’ve felt so broken inside…I just can’t seem to pull myself together…” With a shaky hand she used her sleeve to dry her eyes.

Roshan’s eyebrows furrowed, “It is no wonder you are not doing well…You’ve been holding all of this in for months. That can’t be good for you ” She stated bluntly.

“What other choice do I have?” Nashira asked, “I can’t even tell my husband what’s wrong with me or he’ll have me tossed out on the streets, or worse.”

Roshan had only known Omar for a few weeks and he didn’t seem to be a man capable of being that cruel. Still, she knew better than anyone you could never be too careful with men, especially ones that held so much power over your livelihood.

Nashira put her head in her hands, “I’m so stupid.” She whimpered.

“You’re not stupid,” Roshan said firmly.

“What do you call having an affair and getting pregnant with a child that isn’t your husbands?” Nashira asked rhetorically, “My Baba would be so ashamed of me.”

“I call it being young and in love.” Roshan answered, “Love tends to cloud one’s judgments.You were not the first nor will you be the last.”

Roshan squeezed her shoulder, “And if your Baba is anything like you, I think he would be more understanding and compassionate than you give him credit for. Give yourself that same compassion.”

Nashira let Roshan’s words sink in, “Whether I am compassionate to myself or not does not rid me of this…emptiness I feel inside.”

Roshan sighed as well, “I know the feeling…”

She momentarily glanced at her right hand, the one missing her ring finger where her hidden blade used to sit. A barrage of feelings she kept buried began bubbling up inside her. A part of her felt broken.

Nashira noticed her staring at her hand, “You must be holding in quite a lot as well, Roshan. What with everything that happened.” Her eyes lingered on the shoulder where she knew Roshan’s scar was.

Roshan let out a deep sigh, “I left the Hidden Ones you know. The temple Basim sought was forbidden ground, and despite my protests, he entered it anyway.” She clutched her hand, “My own student betrayed my trust…”

Roshan shook her head, still in disbelief as she thought about it, “If that wasn’t bad enough, I found out Mentor Rayhan was the one who gave him permission to go inside, completely disregarding the oath we Hidden One’s took to never compromise the brotherhood. He played right into our enemies hands. That was my final straw.Years of my last spent upholding a creed not even our Mentor cared to uphold…”

Nashira furrowed her brows at Roshan’s words, “I’m sorry to hear that…”

Roshan cast a glance at Nashira, “I have no regrets,” she said with conviction, “Though I can’t help but wonder if I had handled things differently…would this still be the outcome? If I had tried harder to stop Basim from going beneath that temple, would he have listened?”

Nashira sighed, “That isn’t fair to you, Roshan,” she insited, “Basim’s nightmares tormented him day and night. He would’ve done anything to rid himself of them.” She explained, “His mind was already made up.” She took one of Roshan’s hands in her own, “You may not have handled it perfectly, but there was nothing that could have stopped Basim from seeking the answers he sought.”

“I did try…Perhaps one day I will make peace with that.” She squeezed the hand Nashira held, “Basim made his choice. You and I have a choice to make too.”

Nashira furrowed her brows, “What do you mean?”

“We can continue to dwell on the past, or keep moving forward to what the future holds,” She pointed to Nashira’s tummy, “You especially. If not for yourself, then for your child.”

Nashira placed a hand on her stomach, “I want to move forward, for both of us.”

Roshan nodded with approval, “Good.”

“But…it will take time to let go of the past,” Nashira sniffled, “And I don’t think I’m quite there yet.”

The older woman sighed, leaning her head back against the wall, “It always takes time. With time, we will find our own peace.”

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A week later, Roshan stood at the entrance of Omar and Nashira’s home with all her belongings in hand. Her injuries were finally healed, and she was eager to be on the way.

Omar handed her a small bundle, “Some food for your journey, wherever it may take you.”

Roshan tucked the bundle away, “I’m looking forward to finding that out myself.” She said, “Thank you both for everything. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but hopefully then I’ll be able to return the favor.”

Omar smiled, “We’d really like for you to come back. Especially once the baby comes.” Omar slipped his hand into Nashira’s and shared a smile with him.

While Roshan noticed the slightest hint of guilt in Nashira’s eyes, it was good to see her and Omar seemed to be on better terms with each other. Perhaps, in time, she could learn to forgive herself and learn to be happy with him.

Nashira stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Roshan in a hug, “No matter where you go, you’ll always be welcome right here.”

Roshan initially was taken aback at the gesture, but quickly returned it.

“Thank you,” Nashira whispered in her ear.

Roshan smiled, “Thank you.”

They pulled away, and Roshan let out a sigh, “I’ll see you soon.”

With that, she was off. To where, she didn’t know and for once that was how she liked it. While so much in her life was uncertain, the only certainty was that she would continue to live on her own terms.

As she dashed across the rooftops of Bagdad with the sun high in the sky, one thing remained on her mind: no matter what, she and Nashira would keep moving forward.

One day at a time.

Surprise! Long story short I’ve had this written a while ago but I’m just getting around to posting.

I wrote this as an epilogue to Star Crossed but felt like it was a bit too gloomy since it takes place directly after the events of AC Mirage. While I wanted to explore how Nashira and Roshan were feeling during this time, I preferred to end the story on a more hopeful note officially. One where it’s been a few years and Nashira is in a better place mentally and living a happier life all things considered.

I hope you enjoyed it! Especially seeing characters like Omar who hasn’t gotten much time to shine in the main fic. Plus, I love Nashira and Roshan’s friendship!! I like to think they keep in touch over the years.

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I’m currently reading The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali, and the trope is young love that was thwarted by things outside the main characters control.

It’s a similar vibe to the Basim x OC fic I wrote and now I know how y’all felt reading it 😭 this is TORTURE

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God the voice acting in this scene breaks me every time

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The Aftermath | StarCrossed Epilogue

Maha, Nashira's best student, struggles with personal demons. Nashira offers her some wisdom from her own life experiences. Takes place ten years after the end of StarCrossed.

“Maha, I know you can solve this.” Nashira gently encouraged her student to solve the complicated math problem on the chalkboard. 

At the moment, it was just the two of them in the observatory, aside from Halah who slept in the corner. That seemed to be all Halah would do these days, seeing as she was now a very old, very sleepy cat. 

Nashira’s classes were over for today, and Maha was the only student who remained. She arrived late for class again, and if Nashira had to guess it was something to do with one of her younger siblings needing her for something. Of course, Nashira didn’t mind staying after a bit longer to go over the lesson she missed. 

Maha focused on the problem, yet despite her efforts the answer didn’t come to her. She ran a hand through her hair, huffing in frustration, “I can’t do it!” she threw her chalk to the ground.

Nashira bent down to pick up the broken pieces of chalk, “Yes you can, you’re great with polynomials! I wouldn't have given you this problem if I didn’t think you could do it.” 

“No,” Maha let out a heavy sigh, “I mean this,” She motioned around the observatory, “I can’t do this, Ustadah.” She sat down at the desk, placing her head in her hands with a frustrated huff. 

Instantly, Nashira pulled a chair where Maha sat, placing a hand on her student’s back. She gently ran her hand up and down her back in an attempt to comfort the girl. If she knew anything about Maha, she was definitely fighting back tears. She often cried out of frustration.

 “Ya azizati, what is really going on?” Nashira asked after some time. 

She let out a sigh, gathering her thoughts before continuing, “I don’t belong in a place like this. Everyday I’m surrounded by people from families who have occupied these spaces for generations. They go home to beautiful estates and I go home to a broken down shack in Anbar.” 

Maha sniffled, “It’s like there's a voice inside me saying I’m not good enough. It’s why people look down on my family and I when we walk through the streets. Even other students here turn their noses up at me, like I don’t belong near them.”

Nashira shook her head, “You do belong here, Maha, just as much as anyone else.“ She pressed, “There’s not much you can do about how people see you…and it is easier said than done to simply tell you to ignore them. But that voice inside you telling you all these terrible things is trauma, and if we don’t make peace with that it will continue to hold us back.”

Maha sniffled again, “But, what if it’s right? Everything in my life seems to go wrong, what makes this any different?” 

Nashira smiled sympathetically, “It will get better in time. It always does.”

“How would you know?” Maha raised her voice, but immediately regretted it once she saw her teacher’s shocked expression. She inwardly chastised herself for losing her temper again.

“I-I’m sorry Ustadah-“

“It’s alright, you don’t have to apologize ya azizati.” Nashira smiled to ease her students' mind, “it is a fair question.” 

Nashira took a deep breath, closing her eyes as the memories she buried deep within her came rushing back. Many were sweet, most of them were outright devastating. 

However, instead of feeling the urge to weep, she felt a sense of peace. She felt ready to pass on her wisdom to someone who needed it.

She let out a long exhale, “When I was young, I fell in love with a thief from Anbar,” she said.

Maha perked up, listening closely to her teacher. Rarely did she ever share stories from her personal life.

“When we met, he just so happened to be hiding from the guards in the library the same time I was fetching books for my father. The moment we locked eyes for the first time, it was as if the stars had aligned.”

Nashira let out a chuckle to herself as she thought of him, “I thought he was so charming, but he was also as mischievous as can be. I liked that about him too, I suppose. We spent much of our time together in this observatory, learning as much as we could about the world and each other.”

Then, her eyes grew sad as more memories flooded her mind, “I loved him…so much.”

Maha noticed the shift in her teacher’s demeanor, “What happened to him?”

A shaky breath escaped Nashira as she prepared for what she had to say next, “He was…deeply hurt inside. He suffered from horrible nightmares. I tried to help him, I wanted so badly to help him…but I couldn’t. Then one day something about him just shifted. He wasn’t the same anymore.”

Maha noticed the slight tremor in her teacher's hands as she spoke. Even more so, the strain in her voice was very apparent.

“He left and never came back,” Nashira sighed, “The whole ordeal left me feeling so…broken. I had my own voice inside telling me I wasn’t good enough, that I should have tried harder to help him, that I should've made different choices in life. I thought I’d never recover from that pain.” 

Maha furrowed her brow, “How did you?” She asked.

“You know, I don’t think I ever did.” Nashira answered, “I never got over it all at once. I just focused on taking things one step at a time until I finally felt like myself again.”

A smile slowly grew on Nashira’s face as she continued, “It helped to focus on what was important to me. I wanted to continue my father’s work. I wanted to teach girls like you math and astronomy. I wanted to live a happy life, and I chose not to let my past dictate who I was.”

Nashira stood up, walking towards the window she usually kept closed these days. She grabbed a hold of the handles of the window panes, running her thumbs over the familiar grain.

She opened it, the late afternoon sun filling up the observatory with its warmth and light.  Nashira motioned for Maha to come to her side. 

Below them was the courtyard. A middle-aged bearded man walked beside a young boy. He was about ten years-old with a curly mop of hair on his head and a face full of scattered moles. Out of all the people in the yard, Nashira could pick them without fail time and time again.

The little boy had a pouch full of dates which he seemed to stuff into mouth all at once while the man seemed to absentmindedly read from a stack of lecture notes as they walked. 

Nashira chuckled, “Hassan! Don’t spoil your dinner, ya azizi!” she called down to him.

Hassan looked around the courtyard, trying to find the source of the voice, before looking up where the window was. With a big toothy grin he waved his arm back and forth, “Umma!” He tugged on the man’s sleeve, “Baba look, it’s Umma!” 

The bearded man, Omar, looked up from his reading to see his wife’s smiling face besides her student's. He returned the gesture and cheerfully waved at her as well.

Nashira softly smiled, watching as the two of them continued on their walk, “Most important of all, I get to watch my son grow up. That is what I look forward to the most these days.”

Maha nodded, then took a pause to reflect, “Ustadah, what if I can not let go of my past?” She asked.

“You can’t let go, necessarily,” Nashira answered, “Your past is an important part of who you are. However, you can choose how you move forward with it so that it doesn’t hold you back.”

Maha tilted her head, not really understanding what she meant.

“You can't change or control what life throws your way, but you can choose to make peace with it. You can choose to learn from it. Then one day you’ll be able to look back on you past and see how far you’ve come, Maha.” She smiled, “And you have already come so far. That’s something you should be proud of.”

Maha nodded, “You’re right, I have. But, I still have so far to go…”

Nashira took one of the girl's hands in hers, “And you do not have to do it alone. I’m always here, Maha, whenever you need me.” She pulled the girl in for a warm hug, “You belong wherever you want to be, ya azizati.”

Maha smiled, “Thank you for sharing that with me, Ustadah.” said Maha. Nashira’s words did not fix the turmoil Maha felt inside, but the wisdom she received would help her deal with her feelings of inadequacy. That was enough to put her at ease for now.

They pulled apart and Nashira squeezed her hand, “Now, let’s get back to that math problem.”

__________________________________________________________________________

At some point, Hassan joined them in the observatory while Omar gave his astronomy lecture. Hassan, for the most part, played quietly in the corner with Halah while Maha and his mother continued their studies.

The boy’s eyes landed on his mother’s bag, where a bag of juicy candied dates peeked out of the pocket. With a cheeky grin, he carefully crept over to it, reaching for a date and narrowly putting it in his mouth-

“Put it back, Hassan.” Nashira said, not even looking up from the papers in front of her. 

Hassan’s shoulders slumped. He reluctantly did as he was told, “But I’m starving!”

“You are not starving,” She paused when her own stomach began to growl, “But It is getting late, and Baba should be finished with his lecture soon. Let’s go home and have dinner, hm? You can have those dates for dessert.” 

Hassan cheered much to his mother’s delight.

“But only if you finish your vegetables.”

He groaned.

Nashira and Maha gathered their things while Hassan went to retrieve Halah.

 “Will you join us?” Nashira asked Maha.

The young woman smiled and nodded. While she collected her things, she couldn’t help but watch the little boy closely. She couldn’t get over how much Hassan favored his mother from his curly hair, moles, and chubby cheeks. Not to mention his love of dates and his sleepy cat.

“He looks so much like you,” Maha mentioned as they made their way out of the observatory, “It’s almost like his father didn’t try at all!” She joked.

Nashira smiled to herself, “Oh trust me, he definitely takes after his father more than me.” She said as she let Hassan and Maha walk out the door.

Nashira watched as her student and her son walked down the hall. She paid special attention to how her son gently placed a kiss on Halah’s nose, then moved to feed her a date he had in his pocket. The sneaky boy still managed to swipe a date from her bag afterall.

She smiled, though inside she felt a wave of guilt come over her. She always felt it whenever she thought of Hassan’s father. 

Mainly, how Hassan would never know his real father.

She could see so much of Basim in Hassan, from his big brown eyes to his crooked grin and his penchant for mischief. She thanked her lucky stars that Hassan looked so much like her, no one questioned why he didn’t look like Omar.

She planned on telling Basim about her pregnancy when he returned from Alamut. She thought when he came back, she could tell him the news and they’d run away together and start a new life. They could see the world the way they talked about as kids, and they would have raised Hassan together. 

Of course, their meeting did not go as planned. To avoid being thrown out, Nashira chose to act as though the baby was Omar’s. It was a better option than struggling to raise a baby on her own, even if the guilt ate her up inside.

She decided the guilt would have to be her punishment for her poor choices. After all, her decision would ensure her son grew up happy and without worry. Hassan would have more choices in life than she or Basim ever did. So, she accepted it.

As Nashira turned to close the door of the observatory, her gaze landed on the open window she forgot to close.

She sighed, letting all her feelings flow out of her. Her past with Basim happened, and while it still saddened her from time to time, she felt grateful that it did not destroy her. 

She was free to look to the future of her life, and all the wonderful, beautiful moments she’d have with her son in it. That alone was enough to push forward and leave Basim in the past where he belonged. 

With that, she didn’t hesitate to close the window.

“Umma come oonnnnn!” Hassan called from down the hall. 

Nashira chuckled, “I’m coming, ya azizi!” 

[a-simp-named-slickback]

⭐️🌙✨

Star-Crossed | Basim x OC Masterlist

Young Basim meets a girl, Nashira, in the House of Wisdom. As the years go on and things change in their lives, fate tests if their romance is really meant to be.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

[a-simp-named-slickback]

You cling to your papers and pens

Wait until you like me again

Wait for your love

I’m still working on finishing the epilogue of the fic, but I felt like messily sketching some Nashira and Basim last night ✨ (forgive me, drawing muscular men does not come easy to me)

[a-simp-named-slickback]

Heey Dee - I hope you're doing good!

I randomly remembered your Star-Crossed fanfic last night, was feeling rather angsty so I read it again and now I suffer emotionally..... I miss Nashira and Halah waaaaaaaaa

Hi!!! 🥹💖

I’m doing well! I’ve just been super busy irl as of late. On top of work getting hectic, I had a wedding to go to, my birthday passed (I’m 26 now! 🥳), birthday parties every other weekend, and overall haven’t had much time to sit down and write anything 😭

It feels silly to complain about being super social, but I’m a bit of an introvert so it tires me out. By time I get home I just wanna go to bed 😅

I still plan on posting an epilogue soon, plus some of those other drabble ideas I talked about. I’m just a little stuck on how to tackle the epilogue. I’m caught between showing Nashira a few months after the end of Star Crossed and showing her like, 10 years after (roughly around Valhalla time?). I’m leaning more towards the latter cause she’d be in a better place mentally and it makes me sad writing her when she’s deeply depressed 😭

All in all, new fics will come soon, I just need to find the time (and energy) to do it! I’m so grateful you and other people on here love the story and Nashira (And Halah lol) and I wanna keep y’all fed lol

Stay tuned! 💖

[a-simp-named-slickback]

[a-simp-named-slickback]

Assassin’s Creed characters as my Spotify Daylist

These are only the assassins from games I played so far!

Ezio

Connor:

Edward:

Shay:

Arno:

Bayek:

Basim:

[a-simp-named-slickback]

Nashira Headcannons | AC Mirage OC

I guess these technically aren't headcannons since I wrote this character, but you get what I mean. These are little details about Nashira that didn't make it into the final story. Plus, I hope it's something that'll hold y'all over till I finish some of those other drabbles. Enjoy!

Nashira is an Arabic name meaning “the lucky one” or “bearer of good news”. It’s also the Arabic name of a star in the Capricorn constellation. I like to think Khalid named her after a favorite constellation of his <3

Halah is an Arabic name for “the aura of light around the moon” 

I feel like Nashira would be the type to need glasses, but according to my research glasses weren’t invented yet in the 9th century. So Instead she uses a magnifying glass for words written in small print.

Nashira didn’t have many children to play with when she was younger so she mostly spent her days reading and playing with stray cats

I imagine she’d have a hard time relating to kids her own age. If other kids were talking about toys and games, Nashira wouldn’t really know what they were talking about. The same could be said when she’d talk about star charts and math equations.

She has a MASSIVE sweet tooth. Her favorite foods are candied fruits, namely dates. While her father spoils her with them (cause he likes them too tbh) he gets on to her about eating only snacks and not proper meals.

She’s 100% a grazer lol Who needs proper meals when you have studying to do, amirite? (AN: seriously though, you should try to eat proper meals especially if you’re studying. And drink lots of water!!!)

Nashira is notoriously messy and unorganized, as opposed to her father who is very neat and tidy. He gets on to her about not keeping her desk tidy only to clean it up for her anyway.

She’s one of those “I have a system and it works for me.” kind of people

I imagine her and Basim are the exact same age, whatever that is in the game lol. I know he’s 17 in the beginning of the game, so I imagine they’d meet at age 15 or 16

As for when Basim returns to Baghdad it’s not super clear how much time passes but I kind of just peg Basim and Nashira to be about 20-21 during the events of the game

One thing she liked about Basim is that he’s just as interested in learning more about the world around them as she is. She likes how he adds his own unique perspective on topics she’s only really discussed with people of a similar background to her.

Plus he’s kind of a “bad boy” and she thinks thats cool lol (teenagers amirite?)

Her most defining physical trait would be the many moles on her face, the biggest one being just above her left eyebrow. She’s always raising that eyebrow when she makes faces and I think that’s something Basim would adore haha

She raises a brow at him alot cause he’s always doing something cheeky

She doesn’t throw tantrums when she doesn’t get her way, but she will do a lot of huffing and puffing (as a kid she’d even stomp her foot if she’s really worked up). 

That's all I got so far. My ask box is open if y'all have any other questions about her or anything to do with my fic Star-Crossed. I'd be happy to answer as long as it's not something that'll show up in a drabble I'm writting lol

[a-simp-named-slickback]

I promise I’m Basim’s biggest fan 💖

[a-simp-named-slickback]

Thanks Everyone!

WOW guys! 🥹🥹🥹 I just checked the fic and there’s so many comments and notes! First, I want to thank all of you for reading. It means so much to me that you read the fic and enjoy it each week.

Second, I see all of you wanting an alternative ending haha. While that’s not happening (for now) this is not the last you’ll hear from Nashira! While writing this fic, I’ve written a few drabbles that show more of her story which include:

- 6 months after the last chapter, Nashira and Roshan talk about their experience with Basim.

- Young Basim takes Nashira to the Bazaar for the first time

- Nashira making the tough decision to choose a husband during the blank period where Basim is training in Alamut

So please stay tuned for more to come! 💖

[a-simp-named-slickback]

Star-Crossed | Basim x OC | Chapter 7 (Finale)

Basim and Nashira's story comes to a head in this heart-wrenching conclusion

“Nashira.” 

She startled awake from the deep voice. Nashira had fallen asleep in her observatory, laying on the pile of rugs and pillows in the corner. The only light in the room came from the moonlight pooling in through the window, and a dark shadow hovered near her. 

Halah, who was curled up next to her, meowed and purred into the palm of the figure by Nashira’s bedside. She shot up, calming immediately when she realized it was Basim.

She let out a sigh of relief, “Oh Basim!” She nearly knocked him over as she embraced him, wrapping her arms around him. 

Nashira pulled away to look at his face. His under eyes were dark, his lids heavy, and his face seemed troubled. He looked like he’d been having nightmares again.

Yet before she could say anything, Basim furrowed his brows. He seemed preoccupied by her appearance at the moment.

“Ya rouhi, have you been crying?” He asked in a hushed tone, moving to sit next to her, “What is the matter?” 

His question took her aback. She had indeed been crying for most of the evening after reading her husband's letter. 

“Omar is coming back soon...” She handed him the letter, letting him read it for himself.

Basim’s face fell. He hated that he couldn’t be there with her when she needed him. The thought of her crying by herself made him ache inside just thinking about it.. His guilt only grew when he thought of what he came here to tell her. 

“I need to tell him,” She said, “As soon as he comes home I have to tell him everthing.” Her voice quickly began to sound frantic. 

Basim shook his head, “Now hold on, Nashira-”

“I have to!” She jumped up from her spot on the rug to pace around the room,  “I can’t hide this from him, Basim, the guilt would eat me alive.” 

She let out a shaky breath, “Just thinking about it makes my stomach hurt…I just feel so nauseous…” she looked down at her hands that shook as she spoke. With her back against the wall, slowly slid down to the floor to gain some sense of stability again. 

Basim took both her hands in his, moving to sit in front of her so she would look at him. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but kept hesitating. 

Finally he let out a sigh, “Perhaps….perhaps you shouldn’t tell him about us.” He said, “Perhaps it’s best if this remains a secret. At least for now…” 

Nashira furrowed her brows at his words. She could tell there was something he wasn’t getting at, something he needed to take his time to muster the words for. She couldn't get over how sorrowful his eyes looked. So she waited for him to be ready to tell her.

He looked down, swallowed hard, “I have to tell you something.” 

He told her everything: about what Qabiha said, what Roshan did, how he needed to go back to Alamut to find what lay in the temple for him. Most of all, he stressed how dangerous this mission would be. 

The entire time he spoke, Nashira stayed completely silent, trying to take in what he was actually saying.

He was leaving. Again.

“I have to know, Nashira,” He said with desperation in his voice, “I have to know what I am. I need to know what secrets lay in that temple.” 

She nodded, “I know you do,” She said in a weak voice, “I want that for you too it’s just-” Her voice wavered and she looked away, not wanting to cry right then and there. She was trying so hard not to cry.

Basim ran his thumbs over the back of her hands, “It’s just what, habibti?” 

Nashira blinked hard, tears streaming down her cheeks, “It’s just that…there is always something keeping us apart.” 

She sniffled, “Is it not enough that we want to be together?” She asked, “It’s like…it’s like we’re doomed to keep repeating this cycle, over and over. It’s not fair…” her shoulder shook as she began to weep.

Basim felt his own tears well in his eyes and pulled Nashira into his chest. Her muffled cries grew stronger in his embrace. He slowly ran circles in her back to sooth her, hating that he was doing this to her again. 

He held her tighter, “We will be together again. I swear.” He pulled away so he could hold her by the shoulders and look her in the eyes, “Until then, I need to make sure you’ll be safe. So when Omar comes back, you can’t tell him about you and I. Not yet.” He pleaded.

Nashira used her sleeve to wipe her tears. It seemed that was all anyone wanted of her; to know that she was safe. Even if it meant doing something she knew she didn’t want to. 

Still, she nodded, “Okay,” she muttered just above a whisper. 

Basim took her chin in his fingers, “I want you to know…no matter what I was going through, I was always happiest when I was with you. I love you Nashira, and that will never, ever, change. Not even death can stop me from loving you. You know that right?” 

The corners of her mouth turned up in a weak smile and she nodded, “I love you too, Basim ibn Is’haq. So much…” 

He smiled back at her, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, “When I come back I will take you far away from here. Anywhere you want, just say the word.” 

Her eyes softened at him, “Anywhere under the stars is fine with me. As long as I am with you again.”

Basim pulled her in for another kiss, one that seemed to last a lifetime. When they pulled apart, Basim pressed his forehead to hers, savoring the closeness. 

“Will you stay the night?” She asked him. If this was to be her last time seeing him, she wanted to make the most of their time together. 

Basim’s eyes softened, “Of course, ya habibti.” 

And with that they held each other in their arms, spending the night in their own little world, one last time. Hoping, and praying, the stars would be on their side for once. 

______________________________________________________________

After spending the whole night with Nashira, Basim awoke just as the sun broke through the sky. 

Nashira remained asleep, curling into his side. With care, he slipped out of her grasp. He needed to meet Nehal at the gate leading out of Baghdad. 

He gathered his thoughts as he got dressed and collected his things. Out of the corner of his eye he watched as Nashira stirred in her sleep, reaching for where he was on the bed. 

Basim smiled to himself, taking in what might be the last time he ever saw her. 

Before heading out, he made his way to her bedside, leaning down to place a kiss on her cheek, before whispering, “Turqburni, ya rouhi.”

In her sleep, a smile grew on her face, and Basim’s heart overflowed with adoration for her. He half contemplated just staying here, with her, forgetting about what was underneath Alamut. But, he knew he’d never be fully at peace without knowing what lay there and what it had to do with him and his nightmares. That was the only thing strong enough to pull him away from her. 

With one last look at his lover in her bed, he leaped out of the window. 

No matter what happened, if he survived this journey, he would return to her. 

This was his new oath. 

______________________________________________________________

It was a month before Nashira saw Basim again.

She was in her observatory when it happened. A knock on the door took out of her work she used to busy herself in the days he was gone. Upon opening the door, there he stood.

In an instant, she threw her arms around him, feeling her eyes well with tears. She nearly collapsed into his arms from relief. It was as if a dam inside her broke, releasing all the pent up worry she felt all month long. She rejoiced that he was alive and he was here in her arms again. 

Nashira grasped the sides of his face in her hands, knocking off his hood, placing kisses all over his face, “Alhamdulillah you're alright.” She wiped the tears streaming down her cheeks with her sleeve.

Basim placed his hands on her shoulders. “Yes,” he gently pulled her away from him, “I am indeed alright.”

Nashira tilted her head as she watched Basim step away from her to walk around the observatory. He held his hands clasped behind his back, looking around the room, but for what she could not say. 

He stopped in front of Halah, crouching in front of the cat with his hand out for her. Halah crept forward, sniffing the hand and began to growl. When he inched forward to pet her she hissed and scratched his hand.

“Halah!” Nashira picked her up, petting her to calm her down, “I’m so sorry, Basim, she’s been on edge as of late.” She had never seen Halah this agitated before. 

Basim’s face twisted in pain momentarily, before morphing into an off putting half smile. His eyes cut to Nashira and his face sent a shiver down his spine. That’s when she noticed the scar under his right eye. It stretched from the inside corner all the way to his ear, and looked like a fresh wound. 

She let Halah jump out of her arms, “Is everything alright, habibi?   

He examined his hand, “Of course.” He said the word in an odd tone.

She raised a brow, “Did...something happen in Alamut?”

He nodded, "Nothing you need to worry about."

He smiled, though something about it was off. Very off. It lacked the warmth and affection it usually had. Instead it seemed forced, cold, and cunning. 

“How have you been while I was away?” He asked her.

“I can’t describe it in words,” she answered, “it's been weeks since you left and I thought I would never see you again. There’s so much I wanted to tell you and I was worried I wouldn’t get to…” She crossed her arms over her tummy area, “But you’re here now. That’s all that matters.” She smiled warmly at him.

He hummed, “Has your husband returned?” He asked.

She nodded her head, “He came back a week after you left.”

“I see,” he said, “And have you…told him about us?”

Nashira shook her head, “Not yet.” She reached for his hand, tenderly holding it in her own, “But, I’m ready to tell him. Then we can finally be together, just like you said." 

Her smile grew as she gazed upon him, eyes overflowing with adoration. Her chest filled with warmth thinking of the life they could have together: away from Baghdad, away from the Hidden Ones, away from the chains of their past. 

However, Basim did not smile back. In fact, he did the opposite, as if the very thought of it disgusted him.

He took his hand out of her grasp, stepping back to put more distance between them, “That won���t be necessary.” 

Nashira furrowed her brows, “...What?” 

“I found what I was looking for in the temple. It gave me some clarity.” He chose his words deliberately, “There were some difficulties but my experience in Alamut has strengthened my devotion to the Hidden Ones. It’s the kind of devotion that leaves little room for anything,” He paused to look her in the eye, “Or anyone else.”

His devotion to the Hidden One’s was in fact strong, for the time being anyhow. Their methods proved the best in helping him accomplish his true goal: bringing his family back and punishing those who wronged him in his past life. Until that day came, he would remain loyal to the creed. 

Basim carefully monitored Nashira’s face as she seemed to freeze in place like a statue, “You understand what I mean, don’t you? This,” he gestured between the two of them, “Can not continue any further.”

Her breath hitched in her throat as she made sense of his words, “You…you can’t be serious.” She said in disbelief.

He simply nodded. He moved to pat her on the shoulder, “I know it will be difficult for you to accept at first, but this is for the best. Soon you will realize-” 

She shook her head, “Basim, what’s going on? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?”

He sighed, “I already told you, I am dedicating myself fully to the Hidden Ones. It’s over.” He said in a low, gravely voice, “You can go back to your husband.” 

She shook her head harder, “No, no, no, you can’t do this to me again.” 

“Nashira-”

“You can’t leave me like this!” She tried reaching for him but he grabbed her by the wrists, preventing her from doing so.

“Do not make this harder than it needs to be,” He warned.

He quickly grew tired of her begging. He hated how she acted as though this was somehow the worst thing to ever happen to her. She should consider herself grateful, he thought. She had never been tortured by those she called brothers. She had never had her family, her children, taken from her by those she once loved. She had never watched in sorrow as the love of her life was locked away in an artifact lost to time. 

Had his love for this woman truly blinded him to what she really was? Nothing but the same spoiled, naive girl he had met in that library all those years ago. 

“Basim please, just listen-” 

“Enough!” He roared, “Look around you Nashira. Look at everything you have: money, knowledge, the finest comforts money can buy. You have the life others would do unspeakable acts just to get a taste of. And yet you would throw it all away over something so stupid?” 

“Stupid? Basim, you told me you loved me!” She pressed, hurt growing in face, “You said we were meant to be and I believed it. I still believe it!” Her voice wavered as she continued to speak, “It never mattered to me if we lived in splendor or squalor or what fate threw our way as long as we were together. That’s what we told each other.” 

She pressed her hand over her heart, “I’m still ready to devote myself to that- to you - if you just stay with me. Please, ya habibi.” She begged.

Nashira had tried to get him to look her in the eyes, but when he did her stomach dropped. Basim looked at her, but he wasn’t looking at her. He looked through her, like she was nothing to him. All the love had faded from his eyes.

Basim let out a laugh though his nose, “What would you know about devotion? Hm?” He asked, “Devotion is loyalty and hard work. It’s a struggle, and you’ve never struggled a day in your life. You’ve had everything handed to you by everyone in your life and yet you cannot even pretend to be grateful for it.”

Her lip quivered, “Basim stop it, you’re being mean.” 

“Your father spoiled you your whole life, left you this observatory, and yet you’re so willing to throw it all away on fleeting desire?”

Her face grew hot at the mention of her father, “Stop it!” 

“Despite the fact that he was sick, he went out of his way to find a good husband for you, one that would take care of you and provide for you like he should. Yet you couldn’t even do either of them the courtesy of remaining faithful.” He spat, “If Khalid were alive today, he’d be ashamed of yo-”

In a rage, Nashira took her hand and brought it across Basim's face in a hard smack. The sound echoed throughout the observatory until it dissipated into an eerie silence. 

The slap was enough to knock Basim off balance just a bit, shifting his head to the side. It stung, but the pain did not bother him. Still, he touched the place she hit, turning his head to glare at her. 

Despite the tears in her eyes, her face held a mix of contempt and hurt. It almost surprised him. He had never seen her face like this before. 

Nashira swallowed hard. Who was this person before her? What happened to the sweet thief boy she knew? That boy would have never said such vile things to her.

But Basim did. This new, different Basim. He didn’t even seem like the same person, and yet his words hurt all the same because he said them. That hurt her more than anything. 

She bawled her hands into fists by her side, letting out a slow, deep breath from her nose, “Basim ibn Is’haq,” She said, “I never want to see you again.” 

Basim stood up straight, putting up his hood. He took one last look at Nashira and let out a short, mocking laugh, “Don’t worry. You won’t.” 

Without another word, turned away, and leapt out of the window. 

Nashira stood in the same spot for what felt like forever. She stared at the window where Basim once stood. The same window he always entered. The window where he left her once again.

She slowly walked over to it, looking out into the courtyard below. Bittersweet memories filled her mind and an ache spread in her chest as she grabbed ahold of the handles. 

She closed the window. 

Nashira’s hand crept toward her stomach, rubbing circles there. As the tears began to spill she leaned her forehead against the window glass, choking out sobs, alone except for Halah, in her father’s observatory. 

Basim was out of her reach, and that was where he would remain. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Basim sat crouched on top of a minaret. The call to prayer rang out in the distance as the sun began to set over Baghdad. 

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, slowly letting it out. He’d always loved watching the sunset for its beauty, but now he had a new appreciation for it. Seeing the sunset and everything this world had to offer was a reminder to him that he was finally awake again after what felt like a very long sleep. 

He was a new person now. A different one, different from the Basim who longed to know who he was. His memories of his past life brought about a new sense of hunger in him. He longed for his lost family, yearned for his love, and desired nothing more than to get revenge on those who wronged him in his past life. 

Even with all these feelings, one in particular kept coming up, no matter how much he tried to will it away.

Regret

He regretted how he ended things with Nashira. The moment he came out of that cave in Alamut, she was one of many things on his mind. He thought of her, this woman he loved so much and felt so strongly for, and how in an instant that all seemed to go away. He didn’t know how to feel about it. How can someone be his everything one moment and then nearly nothing to him the next? 

At the same time, he did understand why. For in gaining his memories again, he remembered  his real love, his Aletheia. His lover lost to time, the mother of his children,the one he’d sacrifice anything to have back in his arms again. And so, he sacrificed the one person who ever truly understood him. 

Nehal wasn’t real, at least to anyone else but him. Roshan in her attempts to guide him, hides his truth from him. The only thing Nashira ever did was love him and try to understand him even when he didn’t understand himself. As much he’d cherish her for that alone, he knew it needed to end for good this time. He couldn’t risk her reaching out to him in the future. It was better for the both of them for this relationship to become nothing more than a bad memory. 

He very well could have just avoided seeing her, let her believe he didn’t survive Alamut. But there was something he needed to get from her. 

He reached into his back pocket, taking out the old book with the strange symbol on it. The symbol of a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it. The symbol of Hermes, the isu who created the staff Basim’s beloved was trapped in. 

According to notes by Pythagerous, he was a temporary wielder of the Staff of Hermes and left clues in this book as to its whereabouts. Of course when he first saw the book’s symbol in the observatory, he had no idea what it was despite its familiarity. Now, he made it a point to kill two birds with one stone on his visit to Nashira’s. He doubts she would’ve missed it much anyway.

“It seems our meeting was fate after all, Nashira,” He muttered to himself, “Just not in the way either of us thought.” 

He ran his hand over the symbol on the book, as memories of Alethia flooded his mind. He would find her, and find a way to free her from that prison of a staff so they could be together with their family in this new world. 

“Hold tight, my love.”