The sun was just setting when Doubar made his way back to the beach. He had found plenty of water and was quite looking forward to a rest. Walking along, he noticed Rongar crouched down by the sea, skimming rocks.
"Rongar" he called. "Are you ok?"
Rongar just shook his head gently.
"What's wrong? You have a fall out with Firouz or something?"
Doubar knew he'd guessed right at Rongar's nod.
"Oh you know what Firouz is like; you probably caught him in a bad mood. Take my advice and forget everything he said"
Rongar just nodded silently. Just then, Doubar turned round to see Maeve run out of the forest to collapse on the beach. On closer inspection he could see that she was crying.
"Maeve lass" he said gently, coming to kneel in front of her. "What ever is the matter?" Maeve just lifted her head, allowing him to see her tears.
"I'm ok Doubar, I just want to be alone" she sighed.
"Out with it lass" he coaxed. "Is it Sinbad?"
As her tears became heavier he knew he'd guessed correctly again.
"What's my idiotic brother done now?"
"Oh Doubar" she cried, propelling herself forward into his arms. "He said he wished that I'd never joined the crew"
Doubar was a little shocked at this. "Are you sure lass?"
As she slowly nodded, he continued.
"Well, I don't know what he's said to you, but I saw what he was like after you went overboard. He completely shut down…you saw what he was like during that storm. Trust me when I say that Sinbad needs you and he will do anything in his power, and probably out of his power too knowing my thick skinned brother, to keep you with him"
"Then why would he say all those horrible things?" she whispered gently.
"I don't know lass, maybe that's something you should ask Sinbad"
/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\
Sinbad was wandering around in a daze. He'd bumped into Firouz sometime back, but neither of them had said a word to each other. They silently agreed to head in the direction of the beach to meet the others, however reluctant they were. Upon reaching the beach, Sinbad instantly noticed Maeve on her knees hugging Doubar. He was exceptionally worried that she was injured or upset, and had a longing to go over there to make sure she was alright. But then he noticed Doubar with her, Sinbad really didn't want a repeat of their earlier conversation so he decided to wait and talk to Maeve later when Doubar wasn't around.
/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\
The crew all met together in the middle of the beach and Doubar instantly noticed the tension that was present. Nobody said a word, even Sinbad, who usually would have enquired about the supplies, remained unusually quiet.
"So, um, it's getting late" said Doubar, trying to break the silence. "I think it would be best if we set up camp here for the night. What do you think captain?" he aimed at Sinbad.
"Yeah, whatever" Doubar noticed how his little brother wouldn't even look at him. This was weird, even by the crew's standards.
"So, we'll, um, need some firewood and food" prompted Doubar when no one moved. "Ok, Firouz, Rongar, you two come with me and we'll gather firewood. Maeve lass, you go with Sinbad and see what food you can find"
Doubar continued before Maeve had the chance to protest.
"We'll meet back here" and he turned quickly, leading Firouz and Rongar back into the forest leaving Maeve completely terrified.