Hey, I just finished writing the story now so the plan is I'll start updating a lot more frequently. Also, this one is dedicated to dshortklutz for reviewing every single chapter so far - your the inspiration that has kept me going (in a non sappy way). and Maevezanar, glad to see you back and I especially liked your review...I'd like to reply to all the topics you brought up...but I don't want to spoil the story so you'll just have to keep reading to see!
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The rain was still pouring when they awoke. Sinbad awoke first as before and laid just watching Maeve sleep. The fire was out and he saw Maeve shiver so he set about starting it again. After the fire was blazing nicely, he set about making breakfast.
Maeve finally awoke sometime later.
"Morning, sleep well?" he asked as she blinked.
"Yes thanks." she replied sleepily. He handed her some breakfast.
"Here, you seemed a bit cold so I started the fire. Then I got bored so I decided to start breakfast" he smiled.
"Thanks" she replied, still half asleep. Then she realized what was going on. "We don't have time to eat, we have to save Dermott."
"Of course" he sighed. "But we still have to eat. We shan't go until you have"
"Uh, fine. But then were off." she sighed.
So Maeve and Sinbad sat down to eat breakfast.
After they were finished, they set out to find Rumina. Shin Shin sensed the urgency and went as fast as she could. They didn't stop for lunch, Maeve wouldn't allow it. They just kept going, only stopping to allow Shin Shin a drink when they reached small brooks. Sinbad was quiet, he was glad she had trusted him with her secret. But something was bothering him; she had never said how Dermott was related to her. Was Dermott the farmer's son to whom she was betrothed? Was he her real love at the time? Who was he?
As the sky darkened, they reached an immense gorge.
This is it Shin Shin told Maeve. You'll find the cavern at the bottom of the ravine
Thanks for all your help Maeve told the horse. We couldn't have done it without you
"We'll enter the valley on foot" ordered Sinbad. "It'd be too dangerous for Shin Shin"
"I agree" smiled Maeve.
We're going to leave you here she told the horse. Please keep hidden
What shall I do if you don't come out? asked the horse.
"Sinbad, Shin Shin would like to know what to do if we don't come out again" she informed the Captain.
"If were not out by dawn" he spoke to the horse. "Go to the docks and stand by the one that's called the Nomad"
I can't read Shin Shin told Maeve.
"I don't think it matters, just walk past them all. Someone should be on watch anyway" she spoke kindly. "Right Sinbad?"
"Huh?" he asked, hating feeling left out.
"Shin Shin can't read" she explained.
"Yeah, Doubar will have someone on lookout anyway" he confirmed.
"We should be out anyway" smiled Maeve. "Make sure you keep hidden"
"Thanks again Shin Shin" called Sinbad as he dismounted and started down the shingle path that led into the gaping abyss.
Maeve followed him down. The path was almost vertical, not to mention slightly non-existent and there were quite a few close calls. At around half way down, over a particularly steep and loose patch, Maeve lost her footing. She dove right over the edge, nothing to stop her, facing a gigantic fall, surely to her death.
"Sinbad" she screamed as she fell over the edge. With his quick reflexes he dove onto his front and grabbed for her hand.
He managed to catch it so she was dangling, holding on for dear life.
"Don't let go" she tried to laugh.
"Never" he smiled softly. "Give me your other arm" he called.
She tried to swing her arm up, but each time she missed and came closer to falling. She started to panic as she felt his grip weakening. Even Sinbad wasn't strong enough to hold on forever.
"Sinbad, I'm going to fall" she cried.
"No" he yelled. "If you fall, I'm coming with you"
"Just let go, there's nothing more you can do" she cried.
"Never" he said. "I lost you once before, I ain't gonna lose you again"
"You don't have a choice" she called.
"As long as I'm holding your hand I do" he sighed. "Come on Maeve, I know you can do this. One last try, give me your hand. I'm here"
She sighed and tried one last time. She stretched as far as she could. She touched his fingers before falling back a bit.
"I can't" she cried.
"Maeve" he smiled softly. "You've been stubborn, ever since the day I met you" he laughed.
"Hey" she interrupted.
"It's true. Just put your stubbornness into not giving up. Please, I can't lose you again. Really jump for it; I know you can do it. I believe in you" he whispered softly. His hand started to loosen. It was now or never. Maeve took a deep breath, if she missed the momentum would tear their hands apart, but if she reached, she'd be saved. Using all the strength she had, Maeve threw herself upwards towards his hand.