Three sets of footsteps echoed down the long corridor to a specific destination. Stopping just before the wooden door, a fair hand knocked against it twice. A few minutes of silence passed before the three heard the click of the knob and the structure opening inwards.
"Hey Nadi, are you ready? Uncle Sinbad said there would be plenty of food to go around tonight." Aladdin was cheerful as usual, the excitement at the mention of food playing behind his blue eyes. Giving him a small nod, the older girl stepped out of her room closing the door right behind her. Continuing their way down the corridor the group soon came upon the dining hall where everyone seemed to be still arriving.
Masrur's PoV
"Ah Nadira, how do you feel? I got word from Yamraiha earlier after I dealt with Dalal." The violet haired king was in front of the girl cradling her hand not even seconds after she stepped inside.
Arriving back at Sindria's docks, the group could see Sinbad and Ja'far waiting for them. The first to descend the vessel were the Military Men and Dalal, leaving an inquisitive look on our King's face.
"So you must be the woman that was causing all that trouble for Miss Tadita." Peeling his golden eyes from the woman's lowered head, he put his attention on his men. "Take her to holding, I have a few questions for her pertaining to some information I was given." Nodding at their instruction given to them by their king, they lead the woman off to holding.
"Nadira you seem to be in pain, I think you should go visit Yamraiha to go get checked out." Ja'far approached the redhead holding her side, carefully looking her over.
"Alright Ja'far, please let Aladdin know where I will be." She took no time making her way to the palace, trying not to show the pain on her face.
"I'm fine Sinbad, just a few aches." She waved him off to get him to let go of her hand only for a larger hand to be set a top her head.
"How was your mission Nadira? Are you glad to be back?" Hinahoho's booming voice sounded from above her and throughout the room.
"Yeah, looking good even though you've covered yourself head to toe in frabics." Sharrkan was the next to speak, earning a smack against the head from Yamraiha.
"You're a pig I hope you know, but don't expect her to give you any attention tonight because she will be sitting next to me." The dread in her eyes knowing what she actually wanted also pry about flashed across her face.
"Hey! If I want to talk to her I can!" Thus a fight between the ensued as usual.
"I need to talk to her about being the one to test out some new things I made!" Grabbing the unsuspecting girl's arm made her jump in surprise.
"Fat chance she'll want to try whatever dangerous stuff you have planned out!" He retaliated by grabbing her other arm and tugging, I decided to step in
"Will this stuff you're having her try out be dangerous." I approached and loomed over the trio that consisted of two fighting over the third.
"Huh?" The well endowed magician was at lost for words at the moment.
"Will it be dangerous?" I clarified which caused the woman to gasp completely pulling her friend out of the hormonal man's grip.
"We'll talk more tomorrow Nadira, you can sit by anyone except that pig." Throwing her a sweet smile, the woman bounded off towards Pisti. In a state of utter confusion the red head made her way to sit with Aladdin, Morgiana, and Alibaba which just so happened to be as far away as possible from me as possible.
"A big meal to celebrate the four of you succeeding I your task and returning home safely! I would like you to take on more tasks such as the one you returned from to gain more experience and deepen the bonds you have amongst you! I know you will do even better during the next!" Sinbad held up his golden cup as he made his small but meaningful toast, earning cheers and smiles all around the table. With a nod of his head and his butt planting into his seat everyone began digging in, however not without conversation throughout the table. Although Nadira sat in contempt listening to Morgiana speak of all her hopes and wants for their group, which I was happy to observe. Somewhere between her second and third plate Nadira paused her eating to sit back and look around, cup in hand.
"How are you feeling?" I stood to her left, when she looked up at me she also saw the plate. I took a seat next to her with a plate full of sweets, and could see her eyes shine at the sight of the baked delights leaving me amused.
"I-I still have a few aches but I'm alright." Looking back at her cup, she was at a loss for words just talking to me.
"I got you these." Placing the plate before her, she was thoroughly surprised. "To help you feel better." Looking up at me, there was something that was running through her mind. "You look like you have a sweet tooth." I simply answered at her astonishment.
"T-thank you Masrur." Happily taking to the plate of desserts, she was too distracted to pay any attention to him watching her. "Ah, I should get to bed." The larger man almost lost his composure at her yawn, especially when she wiped away a gathering tear from tiredness. Standing and bowing goodnight to the man, she exited the room.
"Whoa Masrur, I see you!" Sharrkan's voice carried across the large room in a rather obnoxious manner. "Warming her up to get used to you! Tha-. Ow!" The white-haired man was cut short by a smack on the head.
"You are such a pervert! Can't he just make sure she's okay without any ulterior motives?!" This attack to the man's way of thinking sparked another fight between the two, allowing the king to slide over next to the Fanalis man.
"I know exactly what you're doing Mas. . ." He took this pause to chuckle and sip on whatever was in his cup. ". . .and I must say, what you're doing is very admirable but I do feel you have an ulterior motive for it." A shadow sat concealing his golden colored eyes and that weird smile was present on his face.
"You need to sleep Sinbad." Standing up from his spot at the table, I left the drunken king to muse to himself.
It had been a week since that night, and everyone had been enjoying themselves. Aladdin and Alibaba have been out and around the town, Morgiana has been training with me, and Nadira had been resting when not helping out Yamraiha. Today I had some free time before I went to train with Morgiana, so I was heading to my room to drop off my armor. On my trek there, I caught Sinbad heading in my direction. Stopping just in front of me, I could see excitement dancing in his eyes.
"Ah Masrur, just who I was looking for!" His excitement flowed through his tone when he spoke just the same as his eyes when he looked upon me. "Do you have a bit of free time?" Not knowing where he was leading this conversation, but I gave him a silent nod nonetheless. "Well if you don't mind spending that free time with me, would you like to accompany me to train with Nadira?" This whole conversation was being slowly put together word by word and I could now clearly see why he was so excited.
"To train?" Arching an eyebrow his way, he gave me an excited nod. Holding my gaze steady over him waiting for him to waver, however his excitement seemed to only grow so I nodded.
"Perfect!" Clapping his hands together he cheered then lead me down the corridor. "You know she likes you Masrur, I can see it. I saw this the very first day she arrived, and I knew even then I didn't have a chance." I listened to him talk, not surprised that he could tell from that early on. This is Sinbad, King of the Seven Seas after all. Continuing our way down the corridor, I caught a faint smell of her scent that flowed through the large open hall intertwined in the wind. Her scent was so beautifully mesmerizing to me, edging me forward for more. Arriving at the spot Sinbad had planned to meet her at, she was nowhere to be found which put confusion on Sinbad's face.
"Are you sure she knew it was here as to where you were meeting?" I turned my gaze to him to see him place his index and thumb on his chin in thought.
"We should try looking for her then, I'll begin to worry if we don't make sure she's alright." I could only agree to his idea because I too would get worried if I didn't find out why she didn't show.
Nadira's PoV
It had been a week since I first arrived in Sindria and I've had a great time just being here. Yesterday evening King Sinbad asked me to train with him albeit pushy, I accepted. I made my way to the spot he told me to meet him at which was a giant pillar, he told me he wouldn't be too long which meant I couldn't take a nap. His kingdom was so beautiful and peaceful that I'd do anything to become a citizen and reside here. The morning's crisp breeze was fresh with the warm air and sun, the trees dancing along with the wind like a man and woman in love for the first time. But just as soon as I began to enjoy it, the atmosphere shifted and the serenity fell apart. My little nose never lies and the two scents in the wind were clear as the day was bright.
'Masrur and King Sinbad.' My cheeks and ears began to burn at just the thought of seeing the man again, so I had to leave. Hopping down from my resting place, running was slightly straining considering I was still healing from the battle with Amit. However my legs were still able to carry me very quickly to the end of the corridor and around the corner. I pressed myself against the wall to listen to Sinbad and Masrur enter the giant opened hall, giving me the chance to regulate my breathing while I listened.
"Are you sure she knew it was here as to where you were meeting?" Masrur's deep voice echoed down the hall into my ears when he spoke.
"We should try looking for her then, I'll begin to worry if we don't make sure she's alright." There was something in Sinbad's voice that told me he wouldn't give up until he found me, and I sure didn't want to see Masrur at the moment. I took my signal to leave, I could go back to my room or into town. I decided going into town wouldn't be so bad so I made my way there. Walking through the crowd allowing my nerves to calm, I realized spotting me would be easy due to there being no other red haired people in this kingdom aside from Morgiana, Masrur, and I.
"Nadira?" Speaking of her, I was brought to an abrupt stop by Morgiana's voice. Slowly turning to her, I flashed her a brief yet nervous smile.
"Are you okay? Your face is all red." She stepped closer with squinted eyes to observe me. "I mean the only time that usually happens is when you see or hear Masrur around." Realization washed over her face soon after that. "Why don't you just talk to him Nadira, he does share the same feelings for you." There was a look of slight disappointment on her face.
"That's not necessary, besides I just want to enjoy today." She gave me a slow nod allowing me to turn away from her and leave. As soon as I departed from her, I went to find Aladdin. I wanted some advice from him because although he was younger than me he was also wiser than me.
"Hey Nadi! How are you enjoying your day?" He gave me his usual huge smile and a wave upon seeing me when I found him.
"Can I talk to you in a quieter place?" The area we were in was very lively, it was lively to the point where we could barely here one another talk if we weren't close enough.
"Sure thing, I know a good place." His bright smile brought so much joy to my heart and made me forget of my troubles. Walking with him out of the town and to a field, I welcomed that peaceful fresh breeze that blew back and across my shoulders with open arms. I smiled and plopped down with Aladdin, and he waited for me to talk.
"Do you think Masrur holds any feelings for me like I do him, or is he just doing his job when he comes on missions with us?" Looking at him all I saw was a patient smile on his face.
"I don't think he would agree to go with us into dangerous situations and readily protect you if he didn't." He gently took my hands in his after saying this and there was no reason not to believe my younger friend. " The first day we arrived home with you he kept his eyes on you, did you feel that?" The tips of my ears and cheeks began to burn at his question. "He prepared your room and guided you to it, h even picked out the dress you were wearing. I'm starting to think he pucks out all your dresses." He even listened and enjoyed your story that night that you told to everyone." At this last admittance I lowered my head in embarrassment.
"Ah, I'm so embarrassed." A light laugh left his chest.
"No need to be, he enjoyed it. I think you should try talking with him more and you'll find out a lot more." I peaked up at him through my bangs to see that patient smile still on his face.
"Nadira! Aladdin!" Looking up at the sudden third voice, I saw none other than Sinbad and Masrur. "It took us a while to find you but with Masrur's amazing sense of smell it became possible!" Sinbad had no clue how frustrated he made me sometimes. "This is the perfect place to train, good thinking my sweet!" Holding out his royal hand to help me up, I could see the redheaded giant tense up slightly.
"Just a minute Sin! Nadira will not be training today, she still hasn't healed fully!" The stern voice of a mother that drifted in was none other than Ja'far himself, saving me from his fickle king.
"But she already agreed!" Sinbad sounded more like a baby at this point earning a glare from Mama Ja'far.
"No buts! Aladdin, Nadira, back to the palace." He ushered us off back towards the palace to leave the king to sulk to himself. Aladdin had decided to go find Morgiana and Alibaba so I stuck with Ja'far. "You look troubled Nadira, is it about Masrur?" Arching an eyebrow down at the girl who blushed and shook her head.
"That's part of it, it's Yamraiha wanting to talk about him and how much we're meant to be. I like him but I don't know if he likes me the same way I do him." Explaining this to him, I was able to get some stress of my chest.
"You'll be very surprised, you should get your rest and heal up properly. No fighting or sparing, and if I find you doing any of that you'll have to stay with Yamraiha for a whole day." Shuddering at his punishment, I gave him a nod. "Now go rest up, and if Sin asks you to do anything physical today just say no. Tell him I told you so." Giving Ja'far a nod I had learned very quickly not to protest or say no with these things. I headed to my room to sleep the rest of these aches away and wait for our next assignment from Sinbad.
Our next assignment from Sinbad came faster than anticipated, more like within the next two days. Last night he told us all to meet him at the docks early this morning but I had a dilemma. I had been searching for my rings for a good ten minutes, I was sure I was keeping everyone waiting. Ja'far knocked and stepped in just as I picked up the bed and nightstand, causing him to step back.
"Nadira! Put those down, you're still healing!" He had his hand placed on his heart as if he was trying to prevent a heart attack.
"What was Sinbad doing in here? When I came back to pack my things, his scent was clear as the sky." He hovered over me cautiously trying to take the furniture away, which I don't see how he would take this bed I was holding in my right hand.
"H-he personally moved your clothes and rings to your room on the ship." A wave of relief washed over me and I set the furniture down.
"Which room would that be?" I could see the relief wash over his face as well and his whole body relax when I sat them down.
"Last room, the door should be open." He stepped aside to let me past him, folding his hands into his sleeves like he usually does. I rushed out of the room and toward the docks. Making my way up onto the ship, I saw the crew getting everything ready to take off. Making my way below the deck, I was greeted by a hallway. On the right side of the hall appeared to be the rooms while on the left appeared to be the restroom and further down the kitchen. It didn't surprise me considering this was a large vessel for traveling long distances over more than a day time span.
Heading to the right side of the hall, I ventured to the last room just as Ja'far directed, I pause just before the door. It smelled as if Masrur had been in this area but I decided to brush off the feeling and walk the rest of the way in. Scanning around the room, I caught a glimpse of two hammocks with pillows and blankets hung for sleeping on the left side of the room. One hammock was close to the door while the other was closer to a huge, circular window on the opposite wall parallel to the door I entered through. On the right side of the room sat two trunks, on one trunk sat my clothes and rings.
"Nadira, you finally made it." Morgiana's voice filled the room, allowing me to turn to her to see a huge smile on her face. "Are you excited to go on this mission?" She leaned against the door with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"What's with that look in your eyes?" She shrugged as if she didn't know what I was talking about as that kind smile stayed on her face. "Morgiana so help me, if you aren't my roommate." This caused her to stand straight and there behind her magically by whatever means stood Masrur.
"She's not, but I am." Morgiana smiled and slipped out behind him, I could feel my eyebrow twitch and wanted to run after her and catch her but he stood there unmoving. "If you can move me, you can go after her." I could feel my eyes widen at his challenge thinking it was impossible. "Then you'll stay." Closing the door behind him, he laid in his hammock which so happened to be the one right next to it. "You know you could always talk to me." His voice made me jump after the long silence, I didn't have the courage though so I stayed quiet and laid down.
Aladdin's PoV
It had been a good hour of Alibaba and I on the deck of the just enjoying the fresh air, which we were doing to give Morgiana some quiet while she slept. We were watching a few birds fly by overhead when a large shadow loomed over us, looking up we saw Masrur.
"Hey Masrur, how are you enjoying yourself?" I greeted him with a smile earning a nod from the large man with his arms crossed.
"It's nice." I knew he wasn't a man of many words but I could tell he was enjoying it even though his tone didn't express it. I watched his gaze travel to the vast, beautiful blue water that surrounded us.
"Is Nadi asleep?" I could see a small spark in his red eyes at the mere mention of her name. "You really like her, don't you?" He looked over my face quizzically while I picked at him to see if I could get anything out him.
"Isn't it obvious? He could just man up and talk to her." Alibaba chimed in with closed eyes allowing us both to watch him.
"You could also man up Alibaba in regards to Morg." His eyes snapped open and he froze under our gazes.
"He can't because he's a kid Aladdin." We all turned to see Nadira coming up from below the deck, rubbing the sleep from her eyes followed by Morgiana doing the same.
"Take that back, I am not a kid! I'm a man." He protested with a whine to which she stuck her tongue out at.
"I most certainly will not!" An argument ensued right after and in the midst of it, Nadira picked Alibaba up by his arm and leg and walked over to the edge of the ship.
"Nadi, put him down!" Morgiana and Masrur just watched amused from a distance as their fellow Fanalis proceeded to attempt to throw our blond overboard.
"I'm just cooling him off!" After scolding her for a few more minutes, she finally put him down on the deck letting him scurry off behind Morgiana. Just as he stuck his tongue out at her in retaliation, a bell rung signaling lunch. A table was set up on deck for us and we all sat to eat, Morgiana sitting between Alibaba and I while Nadira sat on the other side of me between Masrur and I.
"This all smells so great!" Alibaba cheered, drool hanging from the side of his mouth. Nadira begin to dig in just as fast as the food was sat on the table, and with us following suit this left Alibaba to admire the food by himself. After eating, Masrur had us sit together on deck so he could explain our mission and why we were headed to this other kingdom.
"As you all know, were all headed on a three-day sail to help out a neighboring country per request. This kingdom has been facing attacks by bandits with dark metal vessels, and their king doesn't know what to do about it seeing as these bandits don't have a known pattern of attack." He explained to the four of us in which Nadira spoke up.
"So, they requested our help because I'm guessing we've all had experience with it." She was smarter than she let on, or believed she was.
"That is correct, which means we'll be lodging with them over the course of our stay until we completely solve their problem." His arms were crossed as usual but it was as if while they were talking, their eyes were having a conversation of their own just by the gaze between them. "In the days we spend heading there, we should use our time wisely. I will go into detail on who is all inhabiting our lodging and who were helping." We all gave nods in understanding, ready to learn the details.
"Well we're ready to learn everything we need to." Alibaba looked focused, that same focused look he got when he was ready for anything to come his way.
"Very well then. Their King has just passed just over a month ago so the second son, Prince Ra'id is acting as King until he officially crowned in the next seven days, there is no word of the first son. Next, six of his family members on the late queen's side also reside with him. Their names are Aqila, Chiba, Haqiqa, Vaiteh, Nasim, and Raza, all listed from youngest to eldest." The four of us listened to him tell us about who we'll be staying with for our duration there.
"What happened to the older brother?" I could tell the lack of information on the missing family member was eating Nadira up inside and she had to know or else she might lose her sanity.
"We never obtained that information." Masrur looked her in the eyes caused her to lower her head and sigh before closing her eyes.
"You don't think that's suspicious? The mentioning of another family member but his not giving in formation for it? I feel like most of this revolves around that Prince that acting in as King." We all listened to her speculate about this problem she voice until Alibaba spoke up.
"We'll all just have to be ready for whatever comes our way then." He shot her a reassuring grin in which she returned with an understanding nod.
"Well that covers most of everything." Masrur closed the conversation after Nadira and Alibaba's exchange. If we were to spend two more days on this trip there we'd have to make the most of it, which I'm sure everyone knew how to do
Writer's PoV
Sometime after lunch, Masrur and Morgiana decided to get some training in by deciding to spar. Just like usual Alibaba, Aladdin, and Nadira sat to observe. The three could see Morgiana steadily improving seeing as she got a few hits in past his blocks. Masrur was also glad to see the amazement in Nadira's eyes as she watched the two, figuring this would be a good opportunity to attempt to ask her to train with him.
"Nadira, would you like to spar?" The look on her face at his question was undoubtedly surprise but that didn't hinder him from waiting for an answer.
"I don't think I will today." Nodding in understanding at her answer, he took a break with Morgiana to watch Aladdin and Alibaba train. The day went by with the pairs alternating in training up until dinner where everyone then ate and turned into their rooms for the night. Aladdin's room was filled with chatter by the three that shared it in comparison to Nadira's room that was filled with a nervous silence.
"Do you think Nadi will open up to Masrur soon?" The young, blue haired boy looked between his two friends on the shared bed.
"There is a reason Sinbad put them in a room together, I mean it's obvious they do hold some sort of feelings for one another." Earning a nod of agreement from Morgiana, Aladdin let out a soft sigh.
"I just hope she isn't too nervous." Looking towards the same wall that separated the room by a few inches, Aladdin only held hope in his deep blue eyes. Meanwhile on the other side of the wall, Masrur was letting the young woman take her time in opening up to him.
"Will you talk to me tonight?" The large man gave it another shot, just wanting to hear her voice before drifting off to sleep. A few minutes of silence passed with him just watching her back through the moonlight, and he was close to turning in for the night until she spoke up.
"I wish I could be a citizen of Sindria." His eyebrow arched at my unexpected answer. He waited for a few minutes in the silence that followed until he figured she wouldn't elaborate further for the night. In all he drifted into sleep at peace at just hearing her voice.
Day 2
The next day went by the same, with the addition of breakfast after wakeup. It was that point in the day where the two pairs were sparring respectively, that was until Alibaba turned his attention to Nadira.
"Let's spar Nadira." He had a smirk on his face as he held his short sword towards her, confidently waiting for an answer.
"I don't think I could Alibaba." His jaw dropped in surprise at her declining his offer, so much so that he decided to protest it.
"Awe come on, you don't even have to strike back! Let's just say we work on your evasion." The way he pouted to her slowly made her more and more uncomfortable with each passing second.
"If I agree will you stop making that face?" Giving a vigorous nod in agreement to her proposal, she stood up.
"Remember, all you're doing is evading. I'll attack." Alibaba reiterated to the red head who nodded.
"Can you keep up with her Alibaba?" Aladdin decided to speak up as Morgiana sat down beside him with Masrur settling next to him.
"Yeah, I'm sure I can try to." He turned his attention back to Nadira who stood ready for Alibaba to attack. Masrur noticed she wasn't in the Fanalis fighting stance he and Morgiana exhibited when fighting. He'd make sure to ask her about it later and decided to watch for now. The three saw she was fast but only one knew she could be faster, she just needed the proper training. Their sparring session ended with Nadira putting Alibaba on his back after sweeping his feet from under him. The day ended with dinner and the five settling into their respective rooms.
"I've haven't had a place to call home in a long time." Her words caught the unsuspecting man's attention.
"Hmm?" He wanted her to elaborate but didn't want to scare her off by being too pushy about it.
"I lost my home and parents sometime after I turned nine, I've been homeless ever since. That's why I wish I could become a citizen of Sindria." Finally getting her to talk to him more made being patient worth it even though he was already a patient man to begin with. Hearing her soft snores signaled that she had drifted off to sleep, so he decided to do the same.
Day 3
The next morning with the fresh sea air still prominent, the five were greeted by the sweet scents of savory food known to be eaten during breakfast. Making their way on deck, their eyes set themselves on the table set up for them to help themselves. As usual while eating, the group made conversation, wondering about what they kingdom they're traveling to will look like.
"We're drawing closer!" The captain's signal to the five motioned them to look out over deck to see and island in the distance, but what they didn't expect to see was the light cloud of black a few miles overhead of it.