Fireland's S3: Ep 2 - The Bonds of Sisterhood

[Fireland]

This is just a little something, a synopsis of some sort to keep you waiting ''until the next week'', as they say on television

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Episode 2 : The Bonds of Sisterhood

When Bryn and Maeve get trapped into a cavern, while searching for a magical flower that would free an old white magic sorceress from the curse she is under, the two have a chance to get to know each other better ... and to discuss grief and love issues.

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The title says enough, though I can't help but give you another hint.

*Looks around and starts to sing innocently*

Let's not kill the karma
Let's not start a fight
It's not worth the drama
For a beautiful liar ... errrr sailor !!! ;D



Hehehe ;D

[Doubar]

Ooooh, think I'm really going to like this. ;D

[Rongar]

Me too!

[Fireland]

Episode II
The Bonds of Sisterhood

For there is no friend like a sister
in calm or stormy weather,
to cheer one on the tedious way,
to fetch one if one goes astray,
to lift one if one totters down,
to strengthen whilst one stands.
(Christina G. Rosetti)

********
Chapter I
********

The Nomad stayed anchored on the dock for two more days, before Sinbad decided they had to pursue their journey to Basra, where they had another cargo to deliver, and most likely a new one awaiting for them. Firouz had admonished Sinbad after his confrontation at the bow with Maeve because he wasn’t supposed to leave his bed. Firouz had ordered his captain a complete rest for two more weeks, in order for his wound to heal and scar properly. That meant no heavy ship work, no shift at the tillar where his arms and abdominal muscles were too solicited, and of course, no sword fighting whatsoever. Sinbad had pouted like a child, but after another day of great pain and discomfort, he finally admitted that the scientist was right and that he indeed needed a proper convalescence if he wanted to heal well and fast. Hence, he appointed his first mate Doubar as the Nomad’s captain ad interim and asked him to sail to Basra, as they had planned. Firouz gave heavy medicinal herbs and potions to Sinbad to ease his pain, which caused the captain to sleep up to sixteen hours a day. ‘’Almost as much as a cat’’, Bryn had teased him. Sinbad had groaned : he hated being so idled.

Maeve and Sinbad hadn’t talked much after their fight, mostly because Sinbad spent his entire days and nights in his cabin. Firouz preferred to bring his meal to him, so he didn’t have to get up and walk too much. Hence, the crew switched turns to eat with Sinbad and have a small chat with him, so he wouldn’t think too much of his cabin as a prisoner’s cell. Maeve didn’t show up at all, and Sinbad never required her presence either. However, the crew knew it wasn’t because they didn’t want to see each other. In fact, they could tell it was pretty much the contrary, but neither dared to express it. Still, whenever one of the crew would open Sinbad’s cabin door, the captain’s blue eyes would glance at them and swiftly sparkle with anticipation, betraying how much he hoped his visitor was in fact a beautiful readhead sorceress. As for Maeve, she always inquired for his health and mood whenever she sat with the crew in the galley. They could tell she looked concerned about him and his well-being. The crew had suggested she went to talk to him, but she always declined. Both Maeve and Sinbad knew their next meeting would most likely involve talking about their fight, which would again bring up painful issues. Moreover, Sinbad being heavily sedated, it was not the best time to get into this type of conversation.

They reached Basra within eight days. As they unloaded the cargo at port, a young boy, barely 7 or 8 years old, approached Bryn.
‘’Pardon me, ma’am, but are you a sorceress ?’’ the boy shyly asked her.

Bryn turned to the boy and smiled. ‘’What makes you think I am ?’’ she answered him, giggling.

‘’Your rainbow bracelet, ma’am.’’

Bryn glanced to her wrist, then back to the boy. ‘’You can call me Bryn’’, she told the boy kindly. ‘’You seem to be quite familar with magic.’’

‘’My name is Maalik. And yes, I know a few things about white magic. My mother was a sorceress and my grandmother is one, too.’’

Bryn’s eyes saddened. ‘’I take it you’ve lost your mother. I’m so sorry. You’re still so young’’, she told him gently. Maalik shrugged. ‘’I don’t remember my mother. She died when I was a baby. My grandmother has raised me ever since.’’

Bryn felt a wave of compassion fluttering in her stomach. She couldn’t remember her own family, but somehow she knew she had known them and loved them, well into adulthood. It broke her heart to know this young boy had never even gotten the chance to know his mother.

‘’That’s why you need to help me,’’ Maalik told her. ‘’She’s everything I have. Her life is threatened.’’

Maeve noticed Bryn was talking to a boy. The petite sorceress looked upset. Maeve stepped closer to them. Bryn glanced at her and acknowledged her presence with a nod.

‘’Her name is Maeve’’, she told Maalik, ‘’and she’s a sorceress too.’’

Bryn asked the boy to repeat to Maeve what he had told her. ‘’How do you know about the rainbow bracelets ?’’ Maeve asked him.

‘’My grandmother told me they had white magic in them, so whenever I would saw one, I would know the person wearing it is trustworthy’’.

Maeve knelt in front of Maalik so she could be on a eye to eye level with him. ‘’Is your grandmother’s name Caipra ?’’

‘’No, ma’am. Her name is Sammar. But I know who Caipra is. She is my grandmother’s friend.’’

‘’Does Caipra still live in Basra ?’’ Maeve asked him.

‘’Yes, but she is not in Basra right now. That’s why I need
another white magic sorceress to help my grandmother.’’

‘’What happened to her ? Why is her life endangered ?’’ she asked Maalik.

‘’My grandmother has casted a protective spell upon herself, but she will die if nobody breaks it.’’

Bryn and Maeve glanced at each other, and only then did they notice the crew had gathered around the three of them.

‘’What kind of spell ?’’ Doubar asked Maeve. She shook her head.

‘’Are you sure she is not sick ?’’ Firouz asked Maalik. ‘’I could examine her if you want. I’m a scientist.’’

‘’No science can help her. Only white magic can.’’ Maalik insisted.

‘’Tell us what happened’’, Bryn gently told the boy.

The crew listened to Maalik as he explained the events that took place a month ago. They learned Sammar is a powerful white magic sorceress, just like Caipra, and had been attacked by a demon who wanted to claim her soul. In a despereate attempt to prevent this from happening, Sammar had transposed her soul into a brooch she owned, a golden flower, after conjuring a protection spell in the cavern where she had asked her grandson to deposit the brooch. The initial plan was for Caipra to bring the brooch back to Sammar after she would have defeated the demon, so Sammar’s soul could reunite with her body. Maalik heard Caipra had defeated the demon, but the sorceress was nowhere to be found, and his grandmother’s condition declined more and more as days passed. The young boy has been searching for days throughout the city, hoping to find someone who had white magic powers.

‘’Why is it so important to be a white magic sorcerer or sorceress in order to help you ?’’ Doubar asked the boy.

‘’Only white magic can access the cavern where the golden flower is hidden. Only someone with white magic can touch the brooch and take it from the altar.’’

‘’Once the flower is removed from the altar, will the cavern’s protective spell fade out ?’’ Maeve asked Maalik.

‘’Yes. But until the flower is removed from the cavern, no black magic or powerless humans can get inside the cavern. My grandmother conjured the spell after I deposited the brooch on the altar, that’s why I can’t go to get it myself.’’ Maalik explained.

‘’Don’t worry about your grandmother, Maalik. I’m willing to help you,’’ Maeve smiled to the boy.

‘’Lass, you can’t go there by yourself,’’ Doubar scowled. On the back of his mind, he couldn’t help thinking Sinbad would kill him if anything ever happened to her. Maeve chuckled. ‘’It’s not a problem, since I won’t be alone.’’ Maeve glanced at Bryn. The brunette nodded in approval.

‘’Is this really safe ?’’ Firouz asked them. Rongar shrugged, meaning he was concerned about their safety, too.

‘’Unless we choose to convert to black magic on our way to the cavern, it’s perfectly safe … for us sorceresses, of course.’’ Maeve smirked.

‘’I hope you know what you’re doing, girls.’’ Doubar muttered.

****

[Fireland]

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Chapter II
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Maeve and Bryn followed Maalik outside the city of Basra. They walked for an hour until they reached rocky cliffs. Dermott decided he would come too, even though he wouldn’t be able to enter the cavern because the spell he was under was a black magic curse.

‘’How are we going to find the cavern ?’’ Bryn asked.

Maeve looked at Bryn’s wrist. ‘’This will guide us’’, she smiled, pointing at Bryn’s rainbow bracelet.

They climbed their way up until Bryn’s bracelet started glowing. They reached a wide ledge and saw the cavern’s entrance. It looked like a huge whale’s mouth ready to swallow them.

‘’I hope Maalik was right about the protection spell,’’ Bryn told Maeve.

‘’I hope so too,’’ the redhead answered, suddenly feeling less confident.

The held hands to create a flow of white energy between them as they walked through the cavern’s entrance. A powerful blow of icy wind responded to their intrusion… and then, nothing. They both sighed of relief. They had made their way inside the cavern without being destroyed : the protection spell had acknowledged their white magic powers. They cautiously walked further into the cavern. A few lanterns were disposed here and there in the cavern, leading the two sorceresses toward the altar. Above it, a shimmering golden flower floated in the air, as if it was suspended with an invisible thread.

‘’If this is indeed Sammar’s soul, we need to take great care of it.’’ Maeve whispered as she stepped forward, closer to the alter.

She reached for the brooch, but her gesture was hesitant. Bryn stepped forward and stood by her side. They glanced at each other as Bryn stretched her arm forward. They would do this together, and reach for the flower at the same time.

The flower started glowing when they touched it and it literally blinded them for a moment. Then, the flower stopped shimmering and they removed it from above the altar. They both sighed of relief : they had succeeded. Maeve held the precious brooch containing Sammar’s soul, feeling its purity and powerfulness.

They heard a screech coming from above their head. Dermott had found a crevice on top of the cavern.

*Well done, sister !* he told Maeve.

Suddenly, Bryn and Maeve felt the ground trembling under their feet. A ghostly wind extinguished the lanterns’ flames and the earthquake grew in intensity. They glanced at each other : the cavern’s entrance was shutting itself on them. They ran to the entrance, but it was too late. They were trapped.

‘’Great !’’ Maeve hissed.

‘’I don’t understand what happened.’’ Bryn exclaimed.

‘’I think Dermott’s presence had something to do with this. Maalik told us the protection spell would only fade when we would take the brooch out of the cavern.’’ Maeve sighed.

They walked back to the alter. They stared at the crevice above their head. It was wide enough for them to exit through it. However, it was at least three meters above their heads. They had nothing they could climb up with.

‘’I guess we’ll have to wait here until the guys come looking for us,’’ Maeve sighed. ‘’Dermott is already on his way back to the Nomad’’.


***

Dermott landed on the railing, in front of Doubar, and screeched. He started pulling furiously against the rope the first mate was holding in his hands.

‘’What the hell is wrong with you ?’’ Doubar asked the hawk. Dermott screeched again and pulled more vigorously on the rope.

‘’This bird has gone mad,’’ Doubar scowled.

‘’Should we worry about the girls ?’’ Firouz asked him after observing Dermott’s unusual behavior.

‘’They’re supposed to be safe, remember ?’’ Doubar told the scientist. ‘’They are okay, aren’t they ?’’ he asked the hawk. Dermott screeched angrily.

‘’Alright, alright. We’ll go looking for them’’, Doubar replied. He walked to the galley to take his saber, muttering to himself : ‘’Sinbad is going to kill me.’’

Firouz looked at Rongar. ‘’We can’t leave the ship without telling Sinbad, though.’’

Rongar nodded and smirked to the scientist.

‘’What ?’’ Firouz asked him. Rongar’s smile widened, and his eyes glanced to the galley.

‘’Fine, I’ll do it !’’ Firouz sighed. ‘’Sometimes I really think you’re lucky not to be able to speak anymore.’’ The Maure chuckled. He couldn’t agree more.


***

Firouz entered Sinbad’s cabin and found his captain well awake.
‘’What’s with all the fuss ?’’ Sinbad asked him. ‘’Are you guys leaving the ship ?’’

‘’Yes.’’ Firouz answered. ‘’We will come back before dawn.’’

Sinbad raised his eybrow. ‘’Planning on spending the evening at the tavern ? Why don’t you come back to sleep on the Nomad instead ? We can’t really afford to pay for an inn right now, in between two cargo paiements. Let aside you would have to pay for two or more rooms, if the girls …’’

‘’Oh, the girls…,’’ Firouz interrupted him nervously.

Sinbad’s eyes narrowed. ‘’Yes, the girls. Aren’t Bryn and Maeve coming along with you ? I haven’t seen or heard them ever since this morning.’’

‘’You’re right, they’re not currently on the ship,’’ Firouz stated.

‘’I see. And might I ask where they have scampered ? It’s almost sunset.’’

Firouz cleared his throat. ‘’They went for some scavenger hunt, and well, Dermott basically let us know there might have been some … problems, so we’re going …’’

‘’Problems ?’’ Sinbad interrupted him. He sounded angry. ‘’Where are they, Firouz ?’’

Firouz resumed the day’s events. Sinbad pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘’I can’t believe this.’’ he muttered. He got up from his bed and reached for his shirt and sword.

‘’Sinbad, although I understand you must be worried, I really suggest you don’t …’’

‘’Firouz !’’ Sinbad scowled.

‘’Alright, alright. But no tremendous physical efforts and no swordfighting,’’ Firouz reminded him. Sinbad nodded.

They joined Rongar, Doubar and Dermott on deck. Rongar took a rope with him, because the hawk wouldn’t stop pulling on it. They prepared the longboat and left the ship, wondering what kind of trouble the girls had gotten themselves into.

***

[Doubar]

Awww, loving it! It's so Doubar to be annoyed by Dermott's behaviour (although he could have guessed that something would be wrong ), and how funny that they sent Firouz in to tell Sinbad. xD

Ah, and it was Dermott's fault then? The poor lad. I could imagine he feels guilty afterwards, eh? Though if no danger arises then no harm is done, but still I'd guess he'll feel bad about getting the girl trapped.

Do go on writing!

[Rongar]

Poor girls...trapped because of Dermott entered the chamber before the broach was removed...

If he's anything like his sister, he'll definately feel horrible!

I can't wait for more!

[Fireland]

Here's the part I hope you will enjoy. I might edit it later, it's pretty long but I think you'll like it

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Chapter III
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The girls sat down facing each other, leaning their back against the cavern walls. They would have to be patient, especially because it was now passed sunset and the darkness would most likely slow the guys down, especially when climbing up the rocky cliffs. Bryn shivered. The air was cold. Maeve concentrated for a few seconds and suddenly, the lanterns lit themselves simultaneously. She made a hand gesture and conjured a fire over the altar.

‘’How pragmatic. I wished I could control my powers just like you do,’’ Bryn sighed.

Maeve chuckled. ‘’I don’t control that much of my powers, Bryn. It took me months before I could gather enough energy to create fireballs. Even longer to cast simple spells.’’

Bryn nodded. She looked a little bit discouraged by what Maeve had just told her. The Celtic sorceress added : ‘’All I meant to say was … it really only is a matter of practice.’’

‘’You think so ?’’ Bryn asked her. ‘’I don’t know how to practice, though.’’

‘’You should come over to my cabin sometimes. I’m thinking of many magic books that could be useful for an introduction.’’ Maeve answered. ‘’It would help me study too. I haven’t practiced nor improved much this past year.’’

Bryn grinned. ‘’I will.’’

Maeve chuckled. ‘’You really shouldn’t doubt yourself. You’re way more powerful than I will ever be. I sensed it when I met you, and so did Dermott.’’

‘’You seem to have a special bond with Dermott.’’ Bryn stated.

‘’He’s very dear to me,’’ Maeve nodded. ‘’That’s why I can only be grateful you’ve taken such good care of him while I was gone.’’ She sighed. ‘’I don’t know what I would have done if something bad had happened to him.’’

Bryn nodded and smiled. ‘’It wasn’t much of a chore. I’m glad Dermott has been there for me, too. He’s been a loyal friend and a trustworthy confident, whenever I felt too lonely.’’

Maeve glanced at the brunette. ‘’Yes, they’ve told me you suffer from amnesia. Can’t you remember your past at all ?’’ she asked her gently.

Bryn shook her head. ‘’I don’t even know if I had a family, a husband. All I know is … in my heart, I feel I’ve been surrounded by people I loved. I just can’t remember who they are, nor if they are still alive.’’

‘’I feel for you,’’ Maeve answered softly. She sighed. ‘’Although, sometimes I don’t know which is worst. Not remembering anything about your past, or being confronted to your foolish mistakes and what it had costed you, every single day for the rest of your life.’’ Bryn heard the bitterness in her voice at the last part of Maeve’s sentence, but she didn’t dare asking what happened. She didn’t want to sound too curious either.

Bryn and Maeve remained silent for a few minutes, each lost into their own thoughts and grief. Bryn reflected on what Maeve had said. She looked at the redhead and snortgiggled. Maeve stared back at her questioningly. Bryn asked her : ‘’What about foolish mistakes you could still prevent from happening ?’’

Maeve felt puzzled. She couldn’t possibly be talking about Dermott. The hawk had told his sister Bryn was clueless. She didn’t know he was in fact a man, and she wouldn’t know he was her brother either. Maeve sighed as she understood what Bryn meant. ‘’You’re talking about Sinbad, aren’t you ?’’ Maeve asked the brunette. Bryn nodded.

Maeve shrugged. ‘’It’s complicated.’’

Bryn suppressed a smile when she heard the euphemism. ‘’But you like him’’, Bryn stated, purposedly avoiding the word ‘love’, which she knew would make the Celtic sorceress feel uneasy.

‘’After all the gossips I’ve heard, I don’t know how I should think about him anymore,’’ Maeve replied, presenting her answer as an intellectual opinion rather than an emotional feeling.

‘’I understand it must be quite hurtful for you,’’ Bryn told her with much empathy.

Maeve sighed. ‘’Maybe you think of me as being rather possessive, but ...’’

‘’Not at all.’’ Bryn interrupted her. ‘’I understand, from what the guys have told me, that you were very special to Sinbad. Hence, I can understand why you feel hurt.’’

Maeve chuckled bitterly. ‘’Special, is it ? Well, maybe at some point I started believing I was. However, I can see now that it wasn’t the case. I was one among many.’’

‘’I know the feeling.’’ Bryn answered softly.

Maeve noticed the brunette’s uneasiness. She raised her eyebrow. The question arising on the back of her mind was awkward, but she needed to as kit nevertheless : ‘’Bryn, did you and Sinbad…’’

‘’There was only one kiss.’’ Bryn interrupted.

Maeve closed her eyes her jaw clenched. She fought back the strange combination of anger and empathy she momentarily felt toward Bryn. She really didn’t wish to fight over a man who had crushed her heart with a woman who had always genuinely agreed on helping her.

‘’I don’t want you to be upset or mad because of me,’’ Bryn sheepishly told her, looking down at her shoes.

‘’I’m not mad at you, Bryn,’’ Maeve answered softly. ‘’I know Dermott has trusted you from the moment he met you. And if my …’’ Maeve interrupted herself as she realized she had almost said my brother. She smiled to Bryn. ‘’If Dermott trusts you, then I know you are trustworthy.’’

Bryn looked at Maeve. ‘’Really, there wasn’t anything romantic about it,’’ she added, hoping it would make Maeve feel better about her and Sinbad.

Maeve snorted. ‘’I take it he broke your heart, too.’’ she replied, unaware she had just admitted her feelings for him for the first time.

Bryn shook her head. ‘’I wouldn’t go that far. He and I had a courteous relationship from the start. I admit at some point, I thought I liked him more than just a friend, but something didn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve always got along great, but that special bond that should exist between lovers … it’s not there, and has never been. Therefore, he is a good friend to me, in a brotherly way.’’

Maeve nodded, thoughtful.

‘’However,’’ the brunette continued, ‘’I felt it between the two of you as soon as I saw you together.’’ Bryn hoped Maeve wouldn’t be too angry because of her audacity.

‘’Maybe what you felt was just another of his lustful impulses,’’ Maeve replied with bitter sarcasm.

‘’I really think you shouldn’t doubt his feelings for you.’’ Bryn answered softly.

Maeve’s eyes narrowed. Bryn took a few seconds to think about how she would say this to the redhead. Once she gathered the right words, she told Maeve : ‘’I met Sinbad when he was looking for you. He had jumped overboard after you, hoping he would find you. As soon as I stepped on the Nomad, I felt you were there.’’

‘’Me ? I don’t understand.’’ asked a puzzled Maeve.

‘’Not you, you. I mean, what remained of you on the Nomad. I can’t properly describe it, but it felt like there was a permanent ghostly presence, everywhere on the ship, impregnated into the wood, the sails, the ropes ... The Nomad revolves around you, Maeve. Wherever Sinbad would look, she would constantly remind him of you.’’

‘’Why are you telling me all this ?’’ Maeve asked the brunette.

‘’Because you don’t see what everybody sees. Now, I can’t testify on how your departure has changed Sinbad, but I can tell about the changes that took place after he encountered Scratch.’’
Maeve raised her eyebrow.

‘’Didn’t Sinbad tell you about this ?’’ Bryn asked her.

‘’Yes, he told me about their encounter. Scratch somehow tricked him and he had to trade his soul so he could save all of yours. However, I don’t see why it would have anything to do with me.’’

Bryn chuckled. ‘’So, he didn’t tell you how Scratch actually tricked him ?’’

‘’No, he didn’t.’’

Bryn rolled her eyes and started chuckling again. ‘’This man … he’s stubborn as a mule and way too proud.’’

Maeve looked at her, puzzled. Bryn explained to Maeve how Scratch had used a decoy to lure Sinbad into the house. ‘’Scratch used Sinbad’s soft spot in order to trick him.’’ Bryn smirked once she was done telling Maeve the story. Maeve blushed. Part of her wanted to believe Bryn so badly.

‘’Well, I’m glad you and I had this conversation’’, Maeve whispered. ‘’I guess it shows another side of the coin.’’

Bryn giggled. ‘’And I feel so relieved you gave me a chance. From what the guys told me, I was afraid you wouldn’t like me right from the start.’’ Maeve frowned. Bryn realized she had been clumsy and immediately apologized.

‘’It’s nothing, really.’’ Maeve replied. She sighed. ‘’I know my temper has always been the talk of the ship. I just never realized how much of a burden it had become over time. I haven’t always been this fiery, but as I grew older, I discovered it was quite a convenient shield.’’ Maeve was surprised at how easily she admitted this to Bryn, but the brunette was a woman after all. She could relate to how difficult it was for women to gain men’s respect in any social situation, but especially on a ship. Bryn smiled to the readhead. ‘’I’ll keep that in mind.’’

Maeve chuckled. ‘’We can consider ourselves lucky, though. The men we share our lives with are quite outstanding. Aside from his recent stupidities, Sinbad is really caring and kind. Rongar is always calm, patient and gentle.’’ Maeve giggled as a wave of tenderness for her friends overcame her. She had missed them so much while she was in Sarania. Maeve continued : ‘’Doubar is such a sweetie, he always makes sure we ladies are safe and treated with dignity. He’s very courteous, just like Fir...’’ Maeve interrupted herself when she noticed Bryn had turned bright red.

Maeve started at her, puzzled. Then, her jaw dropped in astonishment. ‘’Bryn … Do you have a crush on…?’’

‘’Don’t say another word,’’ Bryn warned Maeve, chuckling. She tried to hide her face with her hand. Maeve smirked, which made Bryn blush even more.

‘’Awwwww, Bryn !’’ Maeve exclaimed. ‘’I’m so happy for you two.’’

‘’Maeve, are you trying to make me die of embarrassment ?’’ Bryn asked, grinning. They both started giggling. ‘’Please, don’t tell anyone.’’

‘’I won’t, I swear.’’ Maeve promised. Bryn nodded.

Maeve snortgiggled. ‘’Hypothetically, could that eventually make us sisters ?’’

They both laughed at the thought of it.

‘’Well, it seems we’ll both have things to sort out once we get out of here, don’t we ?’’ Maeve added thoughtfully.

‘’Aye, we do. But you go first.’’ Bryn declared, chuckling. ‘’This is an emergency case.’’

They stared at each other and started cracking up. They felt like young teenagers talking foolishly about their secret crushes. They started joking about potentiel nuptial and domestic arrangements on the Nomad if ever there’d be two couples. The silliness of the conversation made them both laughing to tears. Maeve didn’t even remember the last time she had laughed so much.

***

[Fireland]

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Chapter IV
********

‘’Where has that bird gone ?’’ Doubar muttered.

The crew had reached the rocky cliffs before midnight, but they reluctantly decided to wait until dawn before climbing up. It was way too dangerous by night. As soon as the sun started rising, they started looking around to find the cavern. They finally noticed Maalik who was sitting on a stone. Dermott had perched beside him. The boy ran to the crew.

‘’Sirs, I’ve been waiting for your lady friends since yesterday, but I heard the cavern collapse …’’ Maalik told them worriedly. ‘’I will show you where they are.’’

‘’I’m sure they’re fine, but I don’t want you to climb up there, you could trip or fall. Dermott will show us the way.’’ Sinbad told the boy.

They followed the hawk and climbed their way almost on top of the mountain. They had to take their time so Sinbad wouldn’t injure himself more than he already was. They stood on the ledge where the cavern’s entrance used to be.

‘’I hope whoever conjured this cavern also thought about an emergency exit.’’ Sinbad muttered as he stared at the huge rocks blocking the entrance. As he spoke, they heard Dermott screeching from the top of the cavern. The crew climbed once more and saw Dermott had perched further away, beside a crevice. They suddenly heard a female voice weeping. The crew glanced at each other worriedly, thinking one of the sorceresses, or both, had been injured. ‘’Bryn, Maeve !’’ Doubar yelled as they rushed to the crevice. The crew felt startled when they realized what they thought was a distressed cry was in fact… the two girls’ hysterical laughters echoing through the cavern.

‘’What the hell is happening down there ?’’ Doubar frowned. Rongar shrugged, suppressing a smile.

‘’Sometimes, being confined for hours can cause some mental fluttering condition…’’ Firouz explained.

‘’They’re not insane, Firouz.’’ Sinbad shook his head and started chuckling. ‘’I think they’re having some kind of slumber party, down there.’’ The men started laughing when they heard indistinct chattering between new bursts of laughter.

Doubar knelt by the crevice and looking down, he saw Maeve and Bryn sitting on the ground, holding their stomach because they were laughing too much.

‘’Girls, sorry to interrupt you, but we have a long way to go.’’ Doubar’s voice echoed in the cavern.

‘’Doubar !’’ They both exclaimed. They glanced at each other. Bryn’s eyes widened and she frowned at Maeve. Maeve smirked mischievously. They started cracking up again.

The guys threw a rope down the crevice. Bryn tied a knot on the rope, creating a loop. She slipped her foot in it, then Doubar and Rongar pulled on the rope to lift the petite sorceress up until she could crawl her way out of the cavern. They did the same thing for Maeve after she placed the golden flower safely in her bag.

‘’It’s good to see you, guys !’’ the Celtic sorceress exclaimed as she emerged from the crevice. She stood up and felt stunned when she realized Sinbad was standing in front of her. ‘’What are you doing here ? You’re supposed to be resting’’, she scowled.

Sinbad rolled his eyes before tugging her in for a tight hug. She instinctively wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body even more against his. They heard the crew chuckling, but they didn’t care. It felt good to be in each other’s arms again.


***

The crew hurried to Basra and Maalik leaded them to his grandmother’s house. The woman, who appeared to be in her early fifties, was lying on a bed. Firouz examined her. Her eyes were open, but unresponsive. Firouz traveled a flame before her eyes. Her pupils constricted, but didn’t follow the movement. Her vital organs were weak, but at least she was still breathing and her heart was beating.

‘’What is it Firouz ? Some kind of trance ?’’ Sinbad asked him.

The scientist shook his head. ‘’No, she’s on a survival mode. All that remains from her cerebral activity is her reptilian brain.’’ he answered.

‘’Reptilian brain ?’’ Bryn repeated.

‘’Yes. Our primarily instincts, if you prefer. When the brain shuts down, the last instincts and functions to give out are the essential survival instincts such as breathing, pulsing, as well as minimal cerebral activity. Basically, she’s in a state similar to someone who would have overdosed over opium.’’

‘’There’s no opium involved.’’ Maeve rolled her eyes. ‘’Her soul has left her body, therefore the vital functions are all that remain of the woman she used to be. Our soul is what makes us human. When you rip it away from the body, you return to your primal condition.’’

‘’Well, let’s give her soul back to this poor lady.’’ Sinbad told her. Maeve nodded. She reached for the golden flower in her bag and deposit it on the woman’s chest, over her heart. Maeve conjured a spell to free Sammar’s soul from the brooch. The flower started glimmering. Sammar gasped and her body arched when her soul reincarnated itself into her body. Startled, she looked at the strangers who surrounded her. Her eyes softened when she saw Maalik staring at her worriedly.

‘’My boy !’’ she exclaimed as Maalik threw himself into her loving arms. ‘’Thank you, thank you so much !’’ Sammar tearfully told the crew.


***

After examining Sinbad’s wound and finding out their trip had not compromised its healing process, Firouz declared the captain could now return to his usual occupations. Sinbad was relieved he could finally start working again. He thanked the scientist for his good care and his first mate for his precious help. Sinbad decided he would take the next night shift ; he couldn’t wait to stand at the tiller again.

He walked on deck and noticed Maeve had sit on the galley’s roof, by the longboat - her usual spot when she felt like reading magic books. Except now, it was sunset, and the beautiful sorceress stared at the colorful skyline. His heart melt : how beautiful she looked in this instant ! He allowed himself to enjoy discreetly the sight of the sunset light shining upon Maeve’s face and making her red curls shimmer. She could make any goddess pale by comparison. Sinbad stepped closer to her and sat beside her. She smiled to him shyly and turned her gaze back toward the sunset. After a minute, Sinbad broke the silence.

‘’I’m happy you succeeded to give Sammar her soul back,’’ Sinbad told her. ‘’It would have been a tragedy if Maalik had lost his grandmother, too. Even though I love my brother dearly, growing up without parents is not something I would wish anyone.’’
Maeve nodded. ‘’Aye. But I couldn’t have succeeded without Bryn’s help,’’ she replied.

Sinbad glanced at her. ‘’Which is another reason why I feel happy.’’ He smirked. ‘’You two didn’t kill each other while you were trapped in that cavern.’’

‘’What is that supposed to mean ?’’ Maeve frowned but couldn’t suppress a smile.

Sinbad chuckled. ‘’You are both very different. I must admit to you, most crewmen thought you two girls would already have fought like cats and dogs, by now.’’

Maeve raised her eyebrow. ‘’Well, I hope you men are not too disappointed we didn’t.’’ Sinbad grinned.

‘’What is it ?’’ Maeve asked him.

‘’I really shouldn’t tell you this, but there were bets involved.’’ Sinbad chuckled.

‘’What, or who did you bet on ?’’ Maeve asked him, raising her eyebrow.

Sinbad stared ahead, smirking.

‘’Hey, you’re the one who brought this subject up,’’ Maeve reminded him, ‘’so gather some courage, sailor, and confess.’’

Sinbad chuckled. ‘’My bet and Rongar’s were alike.’’

‘’Which means ?’’

‘’That you would actually not fight against each other.’’

‘’Really ? Well, it amazes me.’’

‘’I don’t know what amazes me the most,’’ Sinbad replied. ‘’You and Bryn becoming such great friends, in such a short amount of time …’’ he turned to her, ‘’or you and I actually having a casual conversation.’’

Maeve smiled and looked down.

‘’Or at least, we were.’’ Sinbad added, tilting his head to stare into her eyes.

‘’Do we really need to go through this ?’’ Maeve asked him softly. He noticed her voice was trembling, though he couldn’t tell if it was from sadness or apprehension. He nodded. ‘’I think it would most certainly help,’’ he answered gently.

Sinbad jumped off the roof and took Maeve’s hands in his so she would do the same. He leaded her to the bow (where he knew she would feel safe), so they could have a bit more privacy.

***

Bryn walked to Doubar, who stood at the tiller. She smiled to him, then glanced at the couple standing at the bow.

‘’Do you think they’re finally going to sort things out ?’’ the petite sorceress asked him.

‘’I hope so. It’s about time these two get over the past and start living fully. They’ve wasted enough time already.’’ Doubar answered, smiling back to her.

He raised his eyebrow. ‘’You and Maeve seem to have developed a nice friendship,’’ he told her. ‘’and quite obviously had entertaining conversations, too.’’

Bryn chuckled. She patted his forearm. ‘’You wouldn’t imagine.’’ She turned around and fled to the galley, before Doubar could notice her rosy cheeks.


***

Maeve and Sinbad stood at the bow, knowing they had to sort their issues, but neither of them dared to initiate the conversation. For the first time in weeks, it really felt awkward. Sinbad hesitated, but decided the best way for them to solve things out was to be straightforward.

‘’Maeve, are you still mad at me ?’’ Sinbad asked her softly.

His question didn’t seem to surprise her. ‘’Although I don’t feel angry right now, I can’t say my anger is gone,’’ she truthfully admitted. ‘’What about you ?’’

‘’Mine is. All I want now is for us to stop fighting each other like we’ve been doing for the part month.’’ He spoke to her with his most gentle voice. ‘’There’s nothing I can do about the past, Maeve. I wished it didn’t hurt you, but I understand why it does.’’

Maeve ackowledged his answer with a small nod, but she didn’t reply. Sinbad sighed. Would they ever get passed their stubborness and pride and finally open up about their feelings ? They were running in circles and it wouldn’t get them anywhere. Sinbad took a deep breath and decided he would give it a try, as awkward as it felt.

‘’I know there’s nothing I could say to you that would change the past or ease your pain. Nothing will ever excuse my reckless behavior and disrespectful attitude, either.’’ He said softly. ‘’But there are things I need to say to you, nevertheless.’’ He remained silent for a few seconds, pondering his words. ‘’Every man I killed … it was my own pain, my own self-hatred that I was killing, Maeve.’’ He turned to the sorceress, looking into her eyes. ‘’You were every woman I met.’’

Maeve’s eyes escaped from his gaze. She grasped the railing, closing her eyes and fighting back tears. Sinbad rested his hand on her back to comfort her.

‘’Why does it have to hurt so bad ?’’ she asked him weakly.

Sinbad’s heart twitched. He knew he was responsible for inflicting her so much pain and he hated himself for it. He suddenly realized all the pent-up tensions he had been struggling with for the past month were all linked to a single fear : that she wouldn’t forgive him. He already knew how much he cared for her. He already knew he loved her. But only now did he fully realized how much he needed her, the same way he needed air in his lungs in order to live. The thought of her refusing to forgive him in this life felt more terrorizing and more excruciating to him than spending eternity in Hell.

Sinbad grasped Maeve’s shoulders gently and turned her around so she could face him. Something shattered inside her when she looked into his blue eyes. His gaze was so remorseful, so filled with anguish that it literally striked her. Sinbad has never been one to humble himself or to beg in any way, yet he now stood before her, his blue eyes silently pleading for her pardon. Anger, hatred, jealousy, violence : the dark feelings that had viciously wrapped themselves around her heart during the past month shattered into tiny pieces, until she couldn’t feel them anymore. She leaned in and kissed him. He responded eagerly, grasping her waist and pulling her closer to him. Maeve slowed him down by pressing her palms against his chest and clenching her jaw, refusing to surrender to his urge. She would not allow to be kissed like that, at least not now. Their make up kiss had swiftly turned into a battle of domination, until one of them would decide to give up. Sinbad willingly submitted to her, allowing himself to be tamed by the fiery sorceress. He softened his kiss as well as his grip, brushing against her back and arms with a feathery touch instead of his usual coarse and lustful grasp. She rewarded him by deepening the kiss. He reached up to fondle her cheek, acknowledging the privilege she had granted him.

They finally broke the kiss, both feeling out of breath. Maeve stared into his blue eyes and immediately knew the angry, reckless Sinbad didn’t exist anymore. The man she saw standing before her was the Sinbad she knew. The pain was gone, both from his eyes and from her heart. He kissed her forehead, turned around and walked to the tiller, where Doubar waited for him with a wide smile upon his face.

‘’What a lovely evening … for sailing !’’ he teased Sinbad.

‘’Aye, lovely indeed’’, Sinbad patted Doubar’s shoulder, grinning.
Doubar handed Sinbad the tiller. ‘’So … what happens from now on ?’’ Doubar asked Sinbad mischievously, glancing over at Maeve who sat at the bow, petting Dermott. ‘’Should we move her stuff to your cabin already ?’’

Sinbad gave his brother a worried gaze. ‘’Let’s not rush things’’, he frowned.

Doubar couldn’t stop chuckling on his way back to the galley.


***
END OF EPISODE II


Now I really need to take a break before I post Ep. III. University can't wait Hope you enjoyed the fic and hopefully I portrayed Bryn correctly

[Doubar]

*runs around, flailing her arms* Whee... awwwwww... you just totally made my day, Fire (and it's only 7.30 in the morning ;D ). I llllloooooovee Chapter III (so sorry I cannot read ch4 right away as well but have to get to work >.< ). I love how Bryn managed to finally have Maeve consider a few things, and how eventually the Celt admitted she loved Sinbad even though she wasn't even aware she spoke it out loud (that was a smart move of you, hehe). And how they got along so well, that's just awesome. I totally love M/B friendship scenarios. Plus, how interesting that Maeve almost gave her secret away. I always thought Sinbad would be the first one to find out about Dermott, but now I have the feeling that in your 'universe' it would really be Bryn (though in my universe it will be her, too, I have to admit, lol).
And OF COURSE my "awwwww" moment of the day: Bryn blushing furiously upon the mentioning of Doubs and admitting that she actually has a crush on him. Seriously, you should have seen my face: I bet you would have found this huge grin on my face very to be very amusing. ;D
And their happy girly chatter afterwards is so sweet. It's great to picture Maeve in such a happy mood.
Thank you so much for this chapter. Love it from both sites: the M/S and the B/D one. *happy as a clam*
;D

And I'm totally looking forward to reading Ch IV when I'm back from work.

[Fireland]

Doubar, I'm so happy I made you feel that happy. The mood of chapter IV is slightly different, but I think the main focus of the episode truly is the girls newfound friendship. And your instinct is right, Bryn is most likely the one Maeve would admit to Dermott being her brother. However, I'm not sure she will tell her, I'll see how their friendship evolves in the next episodes. I have a storyline, but most of mt fics develop as I write. So before I wrote this episode, I never thought Maeve could tell Bryn. After I wrote it, I realized it could be a possibility for a further episode.

Now don't get too excited, because I really CAN'T work on two relationships at a time. B/D will most likely have a flirtatious/romantic and courteous relationship, but as I said, it might change as time pass. It's just that it won't be the main focus for a while.

[Rongar]

;D
WWee!!!!!!
I LOVE how Bryn and Maeve are friends!
Bryn's uncertainy was great and how Maeve looked to lose her temper when she admitted they had a kiss was just like Maeve!
And how Bryn told her how Scratch managed to catch Sinbad was great too!
And two women, no matter how old, WILL gossip! LOL
She's crushing on Firouz too???
Wow! Inner Firouz is flattered and nervous and excited all at once! LOL

[Fireland]

Hehe, no she's not crushing on Firouz. I should maybe re-write this part. What I meant to say was Maeve interrupted herself even befer she could finish Firouz's name, because she had noticed Bryn had turned bright red while she was talking about Doubar

[Rongar]

That's be better because it led me to believe she was crushing on Firouz! LOL

[Doubar]

Yay, back from work and enjoyed reading chapter number IV. Now I only have to make sure I write down all my thoughts on this. Hehe.

But first off something that I missed to mention about Ch no. 3: I honestly like how you dealed with the whole S/B matter. Maeve's reaction was believable because you had Bryn talk about it with true honesty and the whole setting of the scene made it clear that the brunette was indeed no threat to the Celt and thus a friendship between the two possible. Well done there indeed!

Then as for this one:

Now don't get too excited, because I really CAN'T work on two relationships at a time. B/D will most likely have a flirtatious/romantic and courteous relationship, but as I said, it might change as time pass. It's just that it won't be the main focus for a while.

No worries there, I don't expect too much D/B-ishness to be in the future eps. I know that it's near to impossible to deal with two newfound relationships and still having a sensible plot adventure wise. And I know that even if D/B had been canon in the show, we wouldn't have seen too much of it until a later point of time (most likely as an happy-ever-after-final ep thing I suppose). M/S is the main couple and that's great. And considering that all this little D/B shipper within me has up till now are the tiny "coooooould be interpreted as" scenes of the show and my own fics, "a flirtatious/romantic and courteous relationship" that's part of another author's works is almost more than I could have wished for when I started shipping them. So, to cut this long story short: no worries there, I don't.

And as for Dermott's secret being revealed: Well, will be interesting to see then where your season takes you to. And to be honest, if I ever get to write down the fic I've had in mind for years now and which covers the hawk's identity being revealed to Bryn you'll see that it's not Maeve anyway who tells the other sorceress but that it's rather sort-of Dermott's choice.

And noooow, finally on to my review on CHIV. ;D

The mood I think is not too different from the third one, really. It's serene in a way, and even the temporary tension between the captain and the Celt doesn't really feel disturbing. In fact, I like the mood you create with this chapter a lot. It's so great to see the two of them finally getting to terms with one another. Their conversation was so them, and Sinbad really was himself again. More mature maybe (cannot tell yet) but definitely the lovely person again that he was before S2. And him starting the talk, being all gentle and willingly submitting to Maeve is what shows that difference. Really great work there!

Haha, and of course: Doubar just HAD to tease his little brother about it. I SO missed that throughout S2. Thanx for bringing this back in your season.

And though it's actually out of order but anyway: haha, the guys eventually finding the girls and realizing they're having sort of a slumber party in that cave had me grin broadly. I can so picture the four on their way, being dead worried for a second before realizing the girls are in fact having the times of their lives. Awesome! ;D
Ooooh, and how cute that Doubar called for Bryn first. Hehe.

Last but not least: very nice observations you had Firouz made. You even mentioned the pupillary reflexes. Great! And of course I'm happy they could save Sammar. Would still be interesting to know where Caipra is but maybe that's already part of another ep, eh? ^^

All in all: a most lovely fic that I very much enjoyed to read. And be asured I'm looking forward to the next one/s, too (don't feel stressed out though; uni definitely comes first ).

****

That's be better because it led me to believe she was crushing on Firouz! LOL

To be honest, just for a split second I wasn't sure either who of the two that really referred to. However, I felt it was rather Doubar than Firouz and as soon as they mentioned becoming "sisters" it was rather obvious.
I guess the mild confusion can be caused by the reader missing on the "had turned" - which indicates she was blushing while Maeve was talking about Doubar - and sort of reading only "turned" instead which would indicate she's blushing upon the mentioning of Firouz' name. But that's just my guess.

Mar 16, 2012 10:41:33 GMT -5 Rongar said:

She's crushing on Firouz too???
Wow! Inner Firouz is flattered and nervous and excited all at once! LOL

You should so write a F/B story one day, hon. ;D