Such a Fond Tale

 Balian found his father's people. Imad's conversation at the well was with another French knight, named Nicholas. Imad still calls himself 'Nassir'. For whatever reason, has sworn himself to follow Nicholas. 

One day, Almaric is heckling Nicholas in the street, just generally trying to provoke him to a fight. Almaric is perceptive enough to sense a fighter of some kind in Nicholas, a man at arms at the least and wants to see what he's made of. It would be considered just giving the guy a hard time. Getting almost no reaction Almaric quickly gives up. He turns to a Saracen standing nearby and starts hassling him much the same way; perceiving absolutely NO connection between two men. At which point Nicholas turns on him and yells in the sharp sort of voice which people hardly ever disobey.

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!” Heads turn slowly toward Nicholas. Who seems suddenly super-focused on Almaric. “You tried to get a rise out of me and were disappointed when I didn't join the game. So you turn around and hassle a complete stranger you think will be more easily goaded into fighting. I'm not sure whether to call that cowardice or Idiocy. Either way, your issue is with me so leave him out of it.”

Some of the words he used are strange to them, but his intention and meaning are clear enough.

“So you are capable of fighting after all? More than that, you are willing to. It is...a little surprising to be honest. After all, what is he to you that you stand up for him when you will not even stand up for yourself?”

“That's what I was doing sir. You tried to goad me into fighting and I stayed true to who I was. I can fight and I'm good at it. I just need a good enough reason to do so. You didn't give me one before. I kept my temper to avoid lowering myself to your level. Then you hassled a Friend of mine for no other reason than you thought he would be an easier target. That is quite a different story. THAT is something I will fight you on. And I am fairly certain you will regret it quickly.”

Balian, who was standing nearby smiled at both his lefftenants mistake and Nicholas declaration of allegiance. A few on-lookers gave nods of approval at Nicholas reasoned argument, as well as his restraint at very subtly calling his antagonist an impulsive idiot. Nassir himself was thuderstruck.

Nassir was Nicholas servant, and that would have been enough to explain Nicholas protection of him. Nasir was Nicholas responsibility. The instant it was understood Nasir followed him in any manner the knight would be obligated to respond quickly and decisively. But Nicholas had risen to defend him declaring him his friend, not his servant at all.

In the weeks he had spent at the man's side Nicholas had never treated him with anything other than respect and consideration. But to hear his master, a man to whom he'd freely offered his allegiance declare him his friend was...unanticipated.

Even so, Nasir kept an even voice as he stated. “You are so eager to fight you do not measure your enemy nor the field. If there is one thing I have learned about Nicholas it is how difficult it is to provoke him. And what it means when you do.”

“Nassir Please!” Nicholas snapped in Arabic.

“It seems this has gone on long enough, wouldn't you agree?” Balian said, stepping between them.

Nicholas, who had been reaching for his blade immediately dropped his hand. “I am sorry, mi-lord.” He began in a meek voice. “I did not realize...”

“I was talking to Almaric.” Balian replied, thoroughly astounded. “Believe me you did nothing wrong.”

“Neither did he. I honestly think it would be best if Nasir and I were simply on our way, please.”

At this point Almaric could not keep the look of shock off his face. Then again neither could anyone else who was paying attention.

“Are you, sincerely asking for permission to withdraw?” Balian inquired.

“No, mil-lord. I am suggesting that Nasir and I be the first ones to leave this...situation for lack of another word and then everyone goes back to minding their own business. Which would have been a good approach in the first place I don't mind saying.”

Almaric started to apologize, Nicholas held up his hand. “My friend was trying to suggest to you that maybe you should judge whether you can win a fight before trying to start one. I'm merely agreeing with him that this is very sound advice. When I got here I wanted nothing except to be left alone and at peace. With the exception of Nasir's company, I hold to that.”

“As you please.” Balian said with what looked like admiration in his eyes. Mixed perhaps with a little bit of envy.

“As for you mi-lord, forgive me that I do not ask your name. But I hope I might see you again and learn it...on more equal footing and at a more appropriate time.”

“As do I Monsieur. What did he call you, Nicholas?”

The man bowed his head deeply and, with a quick nod to his friend that basically indicated 'follow', turned and walked away.

“He taught himself French.” Almaric said in a low voice.

“I'm sorry, what?” Balian replied.

“That's why Nicholas sounds like that. So precise and yet almost archaic? He taught himself how to speak French.”

“Then barring him being a foreigner, and I don't think he sounded like one,” Almaric quickly shook his head in agreement. “he grew up alone. That's why he prefers being left alone. By the by, what do you think of our friend?"

"Milord?"

"Nicholas. What do you think of him and his Saracen companion?"

“I think if any man save you was going to put me in my place, I'm glad it was someone like him.”

Arabic to French: Hakim is Sage. 

Sayid is Seigneur or monsieur

almuayid is supporter advocate/second/subscriber like “I support your cause”

Nasir is Supporter champion/supporter/backer “I believe in you.” “I'm here for you.”

Nasir's true name is Imad al-Din. (pronounced Im-ad al deen) He calls himself Nasir because he has chosen to follow Nicholas.