WNW #4

Yayyy, new update!

Hope you enjoy!

Of course, mother freaked out. Not in the usual freaking out way but in the 'Oh my Solomon, I can't believe I am meeting my favorite person!' kind of way. This also made Sinbad turn towards me with a smug look, expecting me to follow my mother's example to fond over him. I, in turn, glared.

Later that night, mother wouldn't stop asking questions. How'd you meet the king? Did you see his power? Are you going to be spending more time with him? And of course, are you going to marry him?

I think she could personally think of no one better in her mind. He was the greatest, after all, her hero.

I answered all of her questions, expect the last one, much to her disappointment.

Over the next few weeks, I was back at stall work. However, this time my mother allowed ample time for me to get ready, even going as far as buying new clothing since I was to be with the king again as he befriended me.

I smoothed out the crinkles in the sheer cloth at the midsection, allowing it to droop at the sides, a style I saw a few other women wear. My mother even praised my swords, even if she wasn't a fan of weapons, she couldn't deny that I needed my own form of protection.

I rubbed the back of my arms, feeling the soreness from the day before. Over the last few weeks, I was being trained almost nonstop after meeting Sinbad. After he befriended me, it seemed like his a few of his other friends wanted to as well, including Sharrkan who wouldn't stop bugging me about him being my mentor, making him overly excited to teach me swordsmanship, which I took gratefully. Though, Sharrkan often fought with his other 'disciple' Masrur, who mentored me in strength training. Which didn't excuse yesterday, right after having been forced by Masrur to run with weights on my legs around the island, Sharrkan caught us and forced me to practice my swordsmanship directly after with no break.

Every muscle of mine was screaming to stop. Although, over the past weeks, my muscles have grown, as have I. Finally, growing some height as well as some curves, though not much, to fit the style around the island, I was beginning to feel one with the citizens of Sindria.

Luckily-or should I say unluckily?- for me, mother didn't care as she was solely glad that I finally found friends of my own, allowing these sorts of things to happen. When I told her why I was sore, she just laughed it off and said it was just boys fighting over me- completely ignoring my complaints and utter torment they were putting me through.

I looked down at Tipu, petting the soft white fur while the soft sea breeze ruffled my hair. I wonder if Sinbad will allow me to train with him someday.

Stupid. He was busy. Being a top class merchant and king of a newly formed kingdom that was only about a year old must be difficult, and time-consuming. Although, he wasn't king-yet.

I played once with the tufts of fur between Tipu's ears, making them twitch before he got angry enough with me to yowl, dragging attention to us in the early morning business.

"Shhh, shhh," I attempted to calm him down as I smiled nervously towards the on lookers.

After what felt like hours, he finally stopped.

I mumbled a thank you, petting him normally once more. I soon found out why he had stopped.

Sinbad swiftly came to the front of my stall, waving.

After walking me away from the stall once my mother came, still freaking out over him, he led me to where we were practicing earlier.

"Today, I'll be your master." He spoke with a sly smile on his face, trying to tempt a blush on my cheeks.

Failing, he sighed before continuing, "Sharrkan got sick today…" A darker look taking over his eyes making me believe he had a part to play in his sudden illness.

I nodded.

After Sinbad led me gently by the elbow (Because Tipu was on my shoulders) to where we were yesterday, he soon let go and prepared himself. I allowed Tipu off my shoulders, watching him go to the sidelines.

Gripping both swords simultaneously from my sides, getting into a fighting stance that Sharrkan showed me. He explained that I was smart in my choosing of swords. The slick metal sounds coming out of the sheathe gave chills down my spine. They weren't flashy, of a good weight, and most importantly were short enough for me to wield. A short sword is easier to unsheathe and provided more power at close range. Though, that was its weakness also, I had to fight at close range.

A mendaciously smile at would hopefully put him in a false sense that this was training; to me it was life-or-death. I had no plan on losing.

Sure, I was, you know… inexperienced, didn't have djinns, and small…

Okay, maybe I have a slim chance but may as well give it my all.

Once Sinbad had taken off his outer jacket and unsheathed a… stick? The stick was about as tall as himself.

I stared at him in confusion while he continued to remove his jewelry, which I assumed was his djinns, he coaxed, "Well, come on," His voice was friendly, which became slightly insulting.

How dare he? Was I just a child to him? …

I grinded my back teeth, from thin pursed lips, I forced out, "Fine."

I lunged at him, swinging one sword, according to how Sharrkan taught me, attempting to land high, towards his head. He ducked under, a smile creeping upon my lips. All according to plan. My other sword swung in the opposite direction, going downwards. Just like a trap, nowhere for my prey to escape towards.

False. A sharp exhale of breath left my lips as Sinbad slapped his stick against my wrist, where one of my cuts from the other day rested, forcing me to drop my sword.

I glared, flexing my hand to check if it was broken, ignoring the protests of the stiffening muscles. Sinbad backed away a few paces, smiling warming while he leaned on his stick, bored.

Clenching my teeth, I picked up my sword on the ground before sprinting at him, raising one sword high while the other one rested below, at the height of his stomach. Sinbad dodged by placing his stick parallel to him, twisting it slightly to force my swords out of his way, making me stumble forward, as he swung at my stomach, succeeding, making me bend over in pain.

I coughed out spit mixed with a little blood from the hit, grinding my teeth as I glared at him.

Sinbad approached carelessly, concern in his eyes as he looked from the pile of spit on the ground to me, "Are you okay?"

From my narrowed eyes, I stared at him till he was close enough, making a wild swing from desperation directed towards his head. At the last moment, the stick shot forward to block my sword. A crunching sound echoing as the sword dug into the stick, making splinters fall onto the ground.

A heavy sigh sounded as I swung my other sword at the same spot until Sinbad ducked under and sidestepped it, catching my sword in his stick once more while he remained unscathed.

A growl erupted from within my throat as I attempted to pull my swords out with no avail. From the corner of my eye, I caught Sinbad's sly smile.

Dropping my hold on my swords, I stepped inwards towards Sinbad before he could react I crouched, using my full weight despite my strength (something that Masrur taught me), jumping as I punched Sinbad in his gut, satisfied when he sputtered into a coughing fit from loss of breath.

As he was bent over, clutching his stomach, I raised my right hand, aiming for his cheek.

Before I could land my finishing blow, red strings caught my hand with a dagger at the end. Tugging at it, I realized they were frim. Turning towards where they could be coming from, I noticed a boy my height with messy white hair and pale skin with freckles sprinkled on.

A firm pull from him caught me off guard as I fell backwards towards his direction.

"Here I came to tell you good news only to see you getting beaten by this girl." His green eyes glared furiously at Sinbad. I noted his heavy pants.

I looked up at Sinbad as he waved one hand while his other one whipped away his droll, "It's okay, Ja'Far, she's a friend."

The boy-Ja'Far?- released me from his red strings while I sat up from the ground, looking between him and Sinbad as they held a conversation, completely ignoring me.

"So, what's the good news?" Sinbad smiled warmly at Ja'far, melting his glare into a more formal look.

"The Mahrajan is here." Ja'Far notified Sinbad as Sinbad smiled.

"Gather the generals, we're going to be having a feast." An excited tone slipped.

Offering me a hand, I took it, feeling callouses from it, Sinbad smiled as Ja'far raced off. "Ever seen a Mahrajan?" I shook my head, dusting myself off in the process. Pinching my stomach, feeling the bruise that was bound to show up within the next few days.

"Well, this may be a little exciting for you." Sinbad dragged me away from the clearing towards the exit after he gather his things and my two swords, handing them to me.

It didn't take long before I saw the Mahrajan. It was a giant fish with a large pinkish colored horned protruding its head. I awed at it as it thrashed the area around it, destroying a few building while the people below us smiled upon the terrifying beast as it wreaked havoc.

I attempted to go towards the bystanders in order to protect them, before being held back by Sinbad who shook his head with a warm smile, not entirely looking at me.

"Drakon and Mystras, have your fun," Sinbad yelled out their names as the two men came. Men? One looked more like a dragon than a man.

I looked at Mystras questioningly, noting the giant of a woman that was near him. Ah, those two love birds again, remembering the necklace he bought her, Pipirika, if I remember correctly.

Drakon came forwards as well with Mystras by his side as they both leaped down towards the monster below. I leaned over the edge of the rocks that we stood upon in awe as I stared before me, the citizens cheering the two on as they came down.

Drakon's earring dangled in the sunlight, sparkling before he mouthed a few words I couldn't hear.

Mystras, on the other hand, repeatedly stab the monster with a spear-like weapon that seemed like a long cone to me. He seemed to be dancing with it, dodging and stabbing, angering the monster fish.

Once Drakon was done chanting his words, he opened his mouth. A huge beam of light exiting, penetrating the beast, leaving a hole where its head should have been. A smokey flavor mixing with the air.

I gaped at the finishing result, the citizens surrounding a pile of meat that was already cooked and cut, thanks to Mystras. The citizen's cheers seemed to echo.

I looked at Sinbad in awe. Before I could comment he spoke, "The Mahrajan is known for their excellent source of protein, their products are quite versatile as well."

I nodded in understanding.

A few people I had yet to meet gathered behind Sinbad, excluding Masrur and Sharrkan. I stared at the remaining that I didn't know.

As Mystras and Drakon came back up to greet us once more another large man with light blue hair, that reminded me of Pipirika, slapped them on their backs, "Great job!" In a husky voice he commented. He was about the same size as Drakon.

I noticed a light blush appearing on Mystras as Pipirika commented the same thing.

"These are my eight generals!" Sinbad waved towards them, excluding Pipirika, of course.

I stared at them. A particular group indeed. I was already used to Masrur's sheer size and red hair or Sharrkan's white hair against his tanned skin. What I hadn't expected was a dragon, or a giant, or that kid from before with red strings along his arm. They all seemed to simultaneously turn towards me in acknowledgement.

I looked down, still shy at meeting other people's stare. Sinbad gripped my wrist, twisting me to stand before them.

Large hands pulled gently on my hair. I looked upwards to stare at a large woman who smiled warmly at me. She was taller than the man with light blue hair but resembled him, noting that they must both be from the same race. Her twin braids nearly reaching the ground.

"You have no reason to be shy," She cooed gently, as if afraid to scream me off.

The moment I looked up, a few stared at the sight of my multi-colored eyes, no gasps as was usual, to my surprise and pleasure.

I instantly looked back down in shyness before the woman's hand gripped my chin and raised it, "You have the most beautiful eyes, don't be ashamed."

I nodded softly, looking at Sinbad for approval. He smiled widely, giving a thumbs up as the generals introduced themselves to me.

Afterwards, Sinbad came forward with Tipu- by the scruff. I looked questioningly at the odd pair as Tipu aggressively attempted to claw him. The moment Sinbad loosed his grip Tipu bounded his way towards me, leaping into my arms as I held him with a giggle as the normally nonchalant person glared at a cat.

Sinbad smiled at me, however, pulling out the long forgotten necklace I sold him with a silver bell dangling. I looked up at him questioningly as he placed it around my neck after he lifted my hair to tie it into place.

"You shall be my guest of honor tonight." He breathed on my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

Later that night, the festival begun. I walked the streets looking at all the people smiling with drinks in their hands, laughing.

Of course, I was invited to celebrate the festival with Sinbad. I gratefully denied, saying that I rather be with my family, checking if they were okay after the monster's rampage… once I told mother this, however, I regretted it. She waved her hands around extravagantly as she chewed me out for denying a king's offer.

I mumbled out an 'of course,' not surprised that she'd be anger, only that I hadn't predicted it before an oh so brilliant idea came to me.

"Actually, I only denied saying that I would rather be with my family… which he generously invited you guys as well!" I faked a shy smile from mother's glare that turned in an instant once the words processed.

She ran around the house, pulling the most expensive dress she had as father smiled widely at me with a short nod in approval for thinking on my feet.

I grimaced as to how to explain this to Sinbad. All I could do was hope that he would play along.

I looked at Tipu who snuggled into a large blanket, "Coming?"

"Rather catch some sleep, but don't wait up on me…" His voice faded as he drifted into sleep. I snorted, he sure was lazy.

I was grateful enough that mother hadn't tried to put me into another extravagant dress, or that she noticed the new necklace I wore around my neck, as we walked the streets of the people celebrating. I liked this dress enough as it flowed nicely with my movements, the sides flaring out gracefully along with the slits on the skirt that showed off my muscled legs. I guess all those painful runs worked in my favor.

I noticed a few woman and men wearing masks of monsters. I ignored it before I was being dragged towards a stand selling them.

"Pick one, we have to look like full fledge citizens for Sinbad." Mother ordered as she stared at a few of the masks herself.

I glanced over a few of them, scared to deny my mother again. I stopped at a white one that resembled a fox. There was red paint that worked as eyeliner and red swirls under the eyes as it approached the nose, making the snout seem longer. It's ears being tipped in red paint, as well. Altogether, it looked beautiful, it reminded me of an old Japanese tale of Kitsune, a transforming fox that became a woman.

I smiled, grapping the mask as we continued to make our way to the palace.

It was hard to get through, until Ja'far noticed me, as my mask was placed on the side of my face, and allowed us in.

I moved my mask on fully as Ja'far led us towards where the other generals and Sinbad were. I looked around in awe at the foods and generals drinking away in joy.

Mystras and Pipirika cuddled with each other, the later in the other's lap, much to the anger of Hinahoho who was sitting with Rurumu as they watched a few of their children play.

I smiled behind my mask at the children before my eyes landed on Sinbad… I glared at him as about a dozen women fond over him. A smug look on his face while he held up a drink. I grinded my teeth. Not sure what I expected of a womanizer like him. Why would I even get worked up over them?

I pouted behind my mask. Shouldn't expect much more from him.

I left mother and father to their own devices to pleasure the king for their own benefits as I walked out of there. I felt a slap on the back as I turned towards Masrur who eyed me.

"Masrur smelled you." Commented Sharrkan on my other side as I turned towards him as well.

"What are you guys doing?" I mumbled angrily, not in the mood for small talk.

"Following you. Why are you leaving the party?" Sharrkan spoke for the both of them as I knew Masrur wasn't much of a talker.

"Nothing to see, all the action is here." I waved a hand at the people before me.

Sharrkan seemed nervous in front of the crowd.

I smiled evilly.

"I guess it is only for those stronger than you to go." I pulled Masrur beside me who only snorted.

"W-what? I'm stronger than you! I literally am your mentor, you can't become stronger than me!" He fumbled forwards in shock.

I shrugged as I walked away with Masrur in tow, "Guess you'll have to prove yourself." My voice was muffled behind my mask.

With that, I ran to wear I heard the music the loudest, dragging poor Masrur with me.

I stopped in front of a stage with a few dancers on it, spinning around gracefully. I smiled up at them behind my mask as I heard Sharrkan panting behind me.

"See? It's not that bad." I waved my hands at the people around us.

A large man behind us held up a drink, "To King Sinbad!" he yelled out as the crowd cheered his name.

Masrur shook his head, noting, "Not yet. The celebration is tomorrow."

I looked at him oddly before turning my attention back towards Sharrkan.

Sharrkan smiled at me, patting me on the shoulder before pointing at the stage.

"Since you got me here," He paused to catch his breath, "I want to see you up there."

I looked behind me at the stage, then back at him as he smiled evilly.

I flatly denied.

"Aww, come on, the all mighty Sage too scared to go on stage with a mask on?" He emphasized the mask part with a pull on the snout, allowing it to snap back into place.

"I can't dance." I mumbled, barely loud enough throughout all the noise.

"Then sing." Masrur stated plainly, lifting me up off my feet into his arms.

I stumbled for words as I laid in Masrur's arms, "I-I can't-" I was cut off as he threw me perfectly on stage. Okay, not so perfectly as I landed facing away from the crowd, stopping the music as they all stared at me. I nervously turned around, grateful for the drunkards still singing in the back of the crowd.

I stood numbly up at the front of the stage as a few of the people before me whispered among themselves.

I looked throughout the crowd, till noticing a nonchalant Masrur with his arms crossed and Sharrkan giving me a thumb's up.

"Come on, already!" Yelled out a drunkard, almost tripping over his own feet as he pounded on the stage, scaring me some.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself as I opened my mouth and closed my eyes, unaware of what was to come.

**"If this is to end in fire

Then we should all burn together

Watch the flames climb high into the night

And if we should die tonight

Then we should all die together

Raise a glass of wine for the last time

Prepare as we will

As we watch

Desolation comes upon the sky

Now I see fire,

I see fire, burning the trees

And I see fire, hollowing souls

And I see fire, blood in the breeze

And I hope that you'll remember me

And if the night is burning

I will cover my eyes

For if the dark returns then

My family will die

And as the sky's falling down

It crashed into this lonely town

And with that shadow upon the ground

I hear my people screaming out

Now I see fire, inside the mountain

I see fire, burning the trees

And I see fire, hollowing souls

And I see fire, blood in the breeze…"

I opened my eyes slightly, noticing the crowd staring in awe at my voice. Masrur and Sharrkan seemed to find their way to the front of the crowd as they stood there waving. Well, at least Sharrkan did.

The cheers erupted next. Though it wasn't a cheerful song, it seemed that everybody agreed with it, willing to die with each other.

I pulled Sharrkan up with me who, in turn, helped me dragged Masrur up as well. Both of them standing on either side of me with their arms around my shoulders as I waved at the crowd.

The music started once more. In a good mood, I grasped Masrur's wrist and begun to dance with him although he moved stiffly, a bored face remaining on his face. But I could see a small smile twitching at the edge of his lips, making me happier as I pulled Sharrkan along with me. My necklace sounded a soft twinkle as we danced around each other. A few of the women before dancing along with us as cheers and drinks passed throughout the crowds.

I looked up, noticing Sinbad as he stared below on the three of us dancing. I smiled up at him behind my mask before Masrur took it off, teasing me with it by holding it above my head. From the corner of my eye, I noted him leaning over the edge to stare at the three of us.

Annnd as always, I hope you liked it!

A little happy one before the storm…

Honestly, I am just realizing how much foreshadow I put into this chapter so it is important, try to remember the details!

** This is a song by Ed Sheeran titled "I See Fire" for the Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug (Which is a great movie, you guys should watch it.)