DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creater, Ed Naha.

Hello again! I am unsure of how I feel about this chapter. Please review. I had so many different ideas but went with this direction instead. I hope you like it.

Chapter 7

"Knuckleheads!", Doubar sighed at the sight in front of him. He just came aboard The Nomad to discover Evan and Bijan face planted on the upper deck. Judging by the empty mugs laying next to them it was evident they over-indulged on the ale last night. These two are the newest crew members on The Nomad and Doubar was beginning to lose his patience with them. "Evan! Wake up!", Doubar nudged the sleeping form's side with his foot. Evan groaned and squinted up at his intruder. Doubar than made his way towards Bijan and woke him up in the same fashion. "You couldn't have walked the extra two feet to get sick over the rail?" Doubar pointed at the mess. "Clean this up." Doubar walked away feeling disgusted; not by their current state but more by their lack of respect for the ship. With a final exasperated heavy sigh, he made his way below to find Sinbad.

He knocked on his door a couple times with no response. He finally decided to just open the door to peak to see if he was even in there. When his hand reached the door knob to enter, the door opened; Sinbad was in the process of putting on his blue vest.

"Morning, Doubar!", Sinbad said enthusiastically as he glanced up at his brother while he finished dressing. He then stepped out of his quarters to make his way towards the galley to get some food. "You're up early", Sinbad called out behind him. He held open the door for Doubar to enter the galley as well.

"Some of us are helping Gunnar today with rebuilding his new home. Last night during dinner we offered to help", Doubar explained, "Before going I thought I'd see if you wanted to join".

"Gladly", Sinbad took an apple and sat down at the table that was long enough to fit most of his crew. "How was the rest of the evening?"

"It was pleasant. That Meg sure knows how to fix up a meal", Doubar took a seat across from Sinbad. "How's Bryn?"

"When I left her last night, she seemed much better. I told her I'd stop by in the morning to see how she's doing", Sinbad explained.

"That's great. We were all worried about her", Doubar shook his head. "Felix seems to feel pretty bad about the whole thing. He was rather gloomy the rest of the evening".

Sinbad still did not feel at ease with Felix and his intentions, "Hopefully he learns to be more careful next time". He bit into his apple and glanced up at the noise above. "I suggest you recruit Evan and Bijan as well for Gunnar".

Doubar nodded his head in agreement, "Good idea. He probably needs all the help he can get".

"Judging by the state I saw them in when I turned in, I am guessing they had a little too much fun last night. I'm surprised they are awake", Sinbad smiled and stood up. "Plus, it will keep them away from trouble". He missed the look of humor Doubar had on his face when he threw his remaining apple core into the trash. "I'm going to check on Bryn first. Want to come?"

Doubar stood up and waved his hand to decline, "No, once the two knuckleheads up there are ready, I will lead them to Gunnar's". He then followed Sinbad up on deck.

Sinbad was pleased to see that Evan and Bijan were being productive without his order. He gave them a wave and whispered to Doubar, "I'm surprised they took the initiative to wash the deck".

Doubar only nodded in agreement, "Give Bryn a hug for me", he winked to his brother.

Sinbad smiled and gave Doubar a pat on the back, "I will see you later". He then walked off the ship.

xxxxxxxx

"I'm feeling much better. Thank you." Bryn looked to Dermott. She just finished putting on her belt when Dermott flew into the window. "Thanks again for your help yesterday". She walked over and caressed his wing.

"I should've been there to warn you about those berries in the first place", Dermott responded. "I could sense they weren't normal".

"You are not to blame", Bryn shook her head. "No worries, I'm going to stay away from berries for awhile".

Bryn turned to a knock at her door. She couldn't help but smile remembering Sinbad said he would come by this morning. Before opening the door she took a quick look at her mirror and ran a hand through her hair. She sighed at herself for feeling self-conscious. She was relieved to see she wasn't as pale as she looked in Aunt Meg's washroom the night before. Satisfied with what she saw in front of her she opened the door. It was Mira.

"Mira", Bryn smiled, "Good morning". She was hoping she didn't look too disappointed.

"Hello, Bryn!", Mira eyed her friend and did not miss a thing, "Were you expecting someone else?"

Bryn laughed, "Sorry, I thought you were…Sinbad", she admitted, "He said he was going to stop by this morning".

"I don't mean to disappoint", Mira looked apologetically, "Felix is downstairs and he brought an embarrassing display of flowers for you", she smiled, "I think someone might have a crush".

Bryn gave a look of disbelief. No one has ever given her flowers before, not that she could remember. "No, I think he feels bad about yesterday". Mira gave her a questioning look and she told her what happened.

"My goodness, Bryn!" Mira was shocked, "I wish someone would have told me, I would have checked on you earlier".

"I am feeling better now. I should go down and see him," Bryn pointed towards the stairs remembering she had a visitor.

"Let's not make him wait much longer", Mira agreed, "Even though he probably deserves it". Bryn laughed and followed Mira downstairs.

Mira went to the far left of the bar to continue the task of drying some clean mugs and glasses for the new day. Once Bryn reached the bar, she saw Felix sitting at one of the tables with, as Mira described, an embarrassing display of flowers. She approached him while he stood up and held it out to her. "Bryn, these are for you. I hope you forgive my stupidity".

He must have gotten them at the market because it was a bouquet that she's seen while walking past the flower cart herself. The bouquet even had the signature of the florist sewn on the green ribbon.

"Felix, you didn't have to go and do this. You already apologized and said it was an accident", Bryn accepted the flowers and smelled them. The fragrance was of flowers you can only find in Capua. "They are beautiful".

"Are you feeling any better?", Felix asked, "Firouz's syrup must have done the trick", He leaned against the table behind him, "Gunnar told me other people have been ill for a few days longer when taking those berries"

"I am well. He is a man of science, that Firouz; always open to new ideas and experiments and a great physician", Bryn responded, "We are fortunate to have someone like him onboard".

"He must learn so much from all the traveling you guys do", Felix contemplated out loud.

"We all do", Bryn smiled. A thought came to mind and she had to ask, "Felix, why do you eat them? When you got sick, you didn't stop?"

"I grew up on them", Felix shrugged, "It's plentiful near my home and that's the home my parents raised me in. We didn't have much back then. Everyday we would have a little to the point where we didn't get sick anymore. I still go to them because they are so sweet. I don't usually have guest and I wasn't thinking when I gave them to you".

Bryn understood and felt the reasoning made sense. She could tell he was mentally torturing himself for what happened, "Well from now on, let's put it behind us. Just know I forgive you", she smiled reassuringly, "It's all in the past now".

Felix liked that idea and smiled, "Thank you, Bryn." He stepped forward and opened his arms for a hug and she accepted it. She was surprised when he gave her a kiss on the cheek as well before letting go.

"I need to get going", Felix started walking towards the opened door, "See you around, Bryn".

Bryn gave a wave and watched him leave. She looked down at her bouquet and shook her head. A that moment, Mira came forward with a clay vase in hand that she filled with water. "Put them in this", she instructed as she placed it on the table, "They will last longer".

xxxxxxx

Sinbad ran into Felix just as he made it to the tavern. Felix greeted him with a nod and continued walking before Sinbad could say a word. Sinbad shrugged and continued his way. He saw Bryn and Mira hovering over a vase of flowers as he approached. His attention went to Bryn. She looked healthy as if yesterdays unfortunate event never happened. He also couldn't help but notice the dress she was wearing. It was dark green today with the hem above her knees as usual. The back of the dress had a crisscross stitch that tied near her neck.

"Those are beautiful", Sinbad made his presence known. He was slightly amused when he startled both of them.

"Sinbad," Bryn laughed at herself when she nearly knocked the vase over, "I didn't hear you come in".

Mira held her laugh in and greeted the sailor as well, "Good morning, Sinbad", she gave him a smile. She gestured to the flowers, "These are Bryn's. Felix gave them to her. Wasn't that sweet?"

Sinbad looked at the flowers again, "Very sweet".

Just then Bryn picked up the vase to put them away, "I can leave them on the bar, Mira. Give it a nice decorative touch?"

"No, you should put them in your room", Mira replied, "I wouldn't want them to get knocked over just in case the crowd gets rowdy.

"Okay", Bryn looked to Sinbad, "I will be right back".

Sinbad nodded at Bryn and leaned against the table like Felix did earlier. Mira watched him watch Bryn leave and could see why any woman would be attracted to this man. He is all muscle and he had the most gorgeous blue eyes. He definitely was a handsome one. Her thoughts were interrupted by a question.

"Mira, do you know much about Felix?" Sinbad looked at her with those blue eyes.

"He is fairly quiet. He rarely comes in here. The most I've seen him is with Gunnar and just recently when he comes to see Bryn. He doesn't have anymore living family that I know for sure," Mira was lost in thought, "Why do you ask?"

Sinbad sighed, "I guess I'm being protective of my crew", he was referring to Bryn, "Bryn always sees the good in people and I don't want her to get hurt again".

Mira nodded while realizing he was referring to the berries as well, "I believe it when he says it was an accident. Felix wouldn't harm anyone on purpose".

Sinbad was about to mention the back entrance of the tavern but thought against it when Bryn returned. At that moment Mira discreetly walked away to returned to her daily task.

Sinbad touched Bryn's arm, "Walk with me?" He tilted his head towards the entrance.

When Bryn stepped outside she welcomed the cool morning air hitting her skin. There was a little bit of fog in the distance but she could tell it was going to be another sunny day. There were barely any clouds in the sky and the slight breeze in the air was pushing them away.

"It's good to see that you're feeling better", Sinbad observed.

He looked at her and she smiled. Bryn liked that he didn't have to ask. "Did I miss out on anything last night? I went to bed pretty early didn't I?"

Sinbad shook his head, "I went straight back to The Nomad after you fell asleep and charted a course for Genoa".

"What's in Genoa?" Bryn was unsure, they've never made port there before.

"I've agreed to transport Benson's wine to a friend of his over there. He has already sent word of our coming arrival".

That sparked Bryn's memory of Benson requesting to speak about business with Sinbad the other night. Another thought came to mind and Sinbad read the realization on her face and he answered before she had a chance to ask.

"Yes, if all parties are happy with the transport, Benson is open to keeping us for hire for any more cargo he wish to deliver through out the year". Sinbad confirmed.

"Really?" Bryn stopped walking. This meant they would be able to come back every now and than. Which would allow Bryn to visit with her family more than she thought without disrupting their trades.

Sinbad smiled at her disbelief, "Really", he almost lost his balance when Bryn pulled him into a hug.

"Aunt Meg and Gunnar will be so pleased," Bryn said in his ear before she turned and kissed him. She didn't care that they were out in the open. It was only a quick one.

Sinbad kissed her back before letting her go, "Remind me to give you good news more often", he caught a slight blush creeping up on her.

"I'm sorry" Bryn laughed at her own reaction to the news, "I can't wait to tell them".

"Don't be", Sinbad replied, he never wants her to feel sorry for kissing him, "I will let you tell them yourself".

They both continued walking and talking. It was like the evenings they would have on ship whenever the day came to end. They laughed, joked and confided in each other with anything that was on their minds. Sinbad even felt comfortable enough to voice his worries about Felix with her.

"I could be wrong, but I just want you to be careful with him", Sinbad turned to Bryn, "Captain's orders", he gave her a wink.

"Are you sure he came upstairs through the back that day?" Bryn questioned, "I must have my guard down, I didn't sense anything odd".

"I just don't see why else he would go over there". Sinbad placed a hand on her back while they walked. An action that grew to be a familiar comfort to Bryn, she felt, in a small way, he did it to protect her.

"Thanks for telling me all this", Bryn looked up at him. "I will try to be more careful".

"I noticed you haven't been wearing your sword," he gestured towards her hip.

"After awhile, I felt I didn't have too. With you guys not around, I haven't had a reason to use it", Bryn teased.

"What are you saying? I recall a few times you provoked some sort of swordplay", Sinbad teased back.

"That one wasn't my fault!", Bryn laughed.

"You started it, it was about you", Sinbad retorted.

"I didn't even know those guys", Bryn shook her head at the memory.

Again, Sinbad was surprised that Bryn was so naive about how much effect she had on some people from port to port. There were more than one occasion he felt he needed to keep an extra eye out on her when they'd come across a tavern or pub. He felt uneasy about the looks she would be receiving. Of course, she rarely noticed.

"I probably should set some time with Rongar. I might be a little rusty", Bryn contemplated out loud about her swordsmanship.

"I'm sure he will like that. I sparred with him while you were away, almost forgot how good he is with a blade", Sinbad reminisced, "It was good practice".

"Did you win?" Bryn was curious, and eyed her captain.

"What matters is that I sharpened my skills!", Sinbad laughed.

"You didn't?", Bryn shook her head in mock disbelief. "I won't tell anyone, it would be such a disappointing tale".

"Clever girl," Sinbad smiled. He enjoyed these moments with Bryn. This is what he missed when they were at sea. She always knew how to get him to open up, relax and laugh. He stopped walking and looked ahead of them. They were at the road leading to Aunt Meg's home. They could see smoke coming from her chimney; indicating she and the girls must be up. He realized they were just walking aimlessly.

"How did we get here?" Bryn's thoughts were the same.

"I am glad we didn't manage to stray too far. I need to head that way anyways, "Sinbad pointed past Aunt Meg's direction.

"The river", Bryn looked at the direction, "You're going to see Gunnar?"

"Yes, some of the crew volunteered to help him with the rebuild", Sinbad explained, "I will be doing the same".

"I tried helping him once, but he shooed me a way. I think he wanted me to keep Aunt Meg company as much as I can while I am here", Bryn explained, "Which is fine by me!"

"He has a lot of men helping him", Sinbad touched her arm, "Speaking of which, I probably should head over there, they are expecting me".

"Thank you for helping", Bryn tilted her head towards Aunt Meg's home, "I'm going to let Aunt Meg know I am feeling better. Wouldn't want her to worry".

"I will see you later this evening", Sinbad leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled up at him and he turned and continued walking.