Hello! I am still writing of course! Thank you for your personal messages and reviews! They really make my day and help me move along. I appreciate all of your patience! Enjoy this new addition!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creator, Ed Naha.
Firouz was finishing up on pressing a healing salve on an unfortunate man's back when he looked up and saw a man approaching them from the ships. It was clear that he was carrying someone. Firouz immediately grew concerned and wanted to help. As they got closer, he recognized them both. "Just let your skin absorb the ointment. Remain on your stomach a bit longer", he instructed the sailor laying before him. He quickly wiped his hands off with a towel and stood up.
"What happened? Too much smoke?" Firouz called out to Riley. He approached them with a jog and looked at Bryn. She was so still, his first instinct was to check for a pulse, hoped that it was strong. He let out a breath, relieved to find it.
"Too much…rain", Riley answered, uncertain of how to explain it. He spoke low, having the sense of being discreet for her sake "Her powers".
"Rain?" Firouz repeated. "That was her?" He did not recall any rain where he stood. Though, he did see lightening from a distance and thought it to be very peculiar. The clouds could only be seen by moonlight and they were moving quickly. The sand on the beach where he stood remained dry. "She must have isolated it", he thought out loud to himself in awe. "How in the world….that's incredible".
"Firouz…" Riley's patience was starting to wear thin. Bryn was not a heavy person, but he knew if he didn't put her down soon, his arms would be uncomfortable. Firouz needed to also see to the problem at hand.
"Right!" He gained his focus back with a shake of his head. "We need to get her out of these wet clothes," Firouz stated quickly. He looked up at Riley, he too was soaked through. He paused as he looked onto the beach. "Not here".
"I certainly hope not", Riley scoffed. Not only would she be exposed to every person on the beach, from what he could see the towels distributed were only few. He adjusted his hold on her. The shifting of her weight in his arms did not wake her.
"Take her to the inn. It will be far more comfortable and private", Firouz continued on, "If this was caused by her powers. The best thing for her right now is rest. There's not much else we can do". He sighed, " It's all up to her", he emphasized with a shrug of his shoulders.
Riley nodded his head in understanding. "Fine, I'll take her to the inn".
"Where are the others?" Firouz referred to Sinbad and the rest of his crew. "Are they alright?"
"There was some trouble on Captain Ryder's ship. They are helping him out", Riley adjusted his hold on Bryn again. "Sounds like a few men may need some medical attention once they return".
"Thanks for the warning", Firouz spoke sincerely. He looked at Bryn again, "Just get her dry and comfortable", Firouz added.
It was then that he realized that Firouz had no plans to follow him. He raised his brows in question, "You're not coming?"
"Sounds like I will be needed here", Firouz explained, "Once Sinbad gets back with…"
"I will need help", Riley interrupted him. "In order to get her dry, I need to…" He paused, hoping the man in front of him understood his meaning. He knew Bryn would not be happy with that discovery once she wakes and was certain Sinbad would likely kill him. "Do you expect me to..."
"Oh", Firouz let out slowly. The awkwardness of it finally dawned on him. As a physician, he would feel comfortable undressing anyone due to his role. He understood why Riley would feel hesitant. He took a quick glance around the beach and notice Anders' friend from earlier, who stood thankfully near. She was passing out water. He called out to her and waved her over. "Lara!"
Lara lifted her gaze to them, "Yes?" She approached them quickly.
"Will you go with Riley to the inn?" He pointed towards Bryn, "We may need your help getting her dry".
"Sure!" Lara smiled, happy to be of use. She glanced down at Bryn, concerned, "Is she going to be okay?"
"She'll be fine", Firouz answered. "She just needs…"
"Rest", Riley finished for him. His patience was gone. "Let's go", he demanded. He started walking towards the center of town. He glanced at Lara, pleased to see her moving and keeping up with his quick strides.
xxxx
He noticed she was missing before he even got off the ship. Everyone was safely back on the dock when Sinbad approached Doubar. "Bryn?", he questioned with just her name.
"Hopefully under Firouz's care by now", Doubar answered quickly. He could already see the worry on his brothers' face. "She collapsed, Sinbad. She nearly fell over the dock. Riley caught her just in time and had to carry her back to the beach".
Collapsed? Sinbad repeated silently to himself. "Riley? What happened?" He asked more roughly then he intended.
"Her powers," Doubar answered, not taking the Captain's tone personally. "That rain storm was no coincidence". He knew his brother well. A look of uncertainty was on his features. That aspect of her life was always unexplainable to everyone, including Bryn.
"I see", Sinbad fully understood. He sighed, silently wishing she wouldn't push herself so much. It was a discussion he felt he needed to have with her sooner than later; as Captain and friend.
"We better get these men back into town so they can get looked at", Captain Ryder suggested loudly, disrupting his thoughts. "There is not much we can do right now", he referred to the ship.
Sinbad looked to his friend and the group gathered around. He was right. It was too dark to see to the ship in regards to damages and repairs. Everyone was exhausted. "I agree". He glanced at Rongar, who carried Ryder's crew member over his shoulder. That man is going to have one hell of a headache when he wakes up, he mused to himself. "Need any help?"
Rongar shook his head, he had a good hold of him. Turning, he was first to walk back towards the beach.
xxxx
The door to the lobby of the inn was wide open. Riley could see a group of people lingering by the desk. He assumed they were waiting to be seen, in hopes of vacant rooms. Often sailers would remain on their ship while in port to save as much as coin they possibly can. He assumed, at this hour, the inn had very few vacancies, especially after tonight's unexpected events.
He initially had plans to speak with Finn to gain access into Bryn's room, or any one of the crews' room, but did not have the patience to wait their turn. He figured that it was best to get Bryn settled sooner then later. He spoke up, stopping Lara from entering the lobby, "Wait". When she looked back at him, he tilted his head towards the rooms. "This way".
"Where are we going?" Lara asked as she followed along side him.
"My room", He was thankful he had the sense to make arrangements when they arrived into port earlier in the day. He lead her through a small alley, that would bring them to the guest corridors. He was on the second floor.
When they reached the top landing of the staircase, they stopped in front of his door. Lara looked up at Riley, wondering what the hesitation was.
"A little help?" Riley asked, he angled towards the girl. "Right front pocket".
"What?" She asked softly as she looked up at him.
"The key", Riley took extra efforts to speak patiently; reminding himself that it was late and that anyone would be tired after this sort of day, including her. He couldn't blame her entirely for not being quick to understand. He assumed her mind was a bit overwhelmed by now.
"Oh! Of course!" Lara stepped forward and ackwardly dug her hand into his pocket to retrieve the key. "Got it". She didn't wait to be asked to open the door. She allowed Riley to go in first and looked onto Bryn's relaxed features as he walked by.
"Wait", She stopped him from placing Bryn on to the bed. "We need to put a towel under her before you put her down. Her dress will soak through everything", she explained. Her eyes were wide with concern.
Riley adjusted his hold on Bryn once again. He knew she was right. "If you could find a towel or robe, I'd appreciate it". He scanned the room quickly. "This inn is decent enough. I'm sure there is something".
"A towel should work", Lara agreed as she quickly made her way across the room in search of anything.
xxxx
Quinn was relieved to see Sinbad and his crew return to the beach. She was pleased to see that Captain Ryder and his wife found their way as well. She held up a lantern and took an inward breath before speaking. "Is everyone alright?"
"For the most part", Sinbad answered. He nodded towards Captain Ryder.
Ryder spoke for his men, "We may need a physician".
"You're in luck," Quinn smiled, "We all are actually. We have a couple good ones on hand". She tilted her head behind her, "Morgan and Firouz have been busy this evening, but I think things are starting to settle quickly. Everyone in town has been helping out". She sighed, thinking to herself how much of a shock tonight was for everyone.
Firouz spotted his friends from afar and spoke as he approached them quickly. "AH! You're all back!" He welcome them with a relieved smiled. He caught sight of Rongar and his full arms. "Rongar, lay him down here", he instructed. He watched his friend do so slowly and gently.
"He got pretty banged up below deck," Ryder spoke up, looking at his crew member, "I am not sure what happened. He was unconscious when I found him".
Firouz crouched down to do a quick examination. He placed a lantern on the sand next to him. "We'll keep on eye on him for when he wakes up. I'd like to ask him what hurts. First, I will just feel for any broken bones". He placed a hand on him and looked up at the group. "All of you are soaked". He glanced and Max who seemed to be shivering. "You should get yourself warm".
"We're out of towels and blankets", Quinn informed them apologetically.
Ryder pulled his wife in closer to him and spoke gently, "He's right. You should get back to the inn and get yourself dry".
Max nodded her head, happy with that plan. She was physically and emotionally exhausted. "What about you?"
"I'll join you soon", Ryder replied reassuringly, "I just need to check on the men and see if there are any more of our crew out here".
"That task will be easier during the light of day, Ryder". Doubar chimed it.
"You should go to the inn as well", Quinn added, "I promise you, everyone on this beach is being taken cared of. Any crew member of yours would be fine". She stole a glance at Sinbad, "Same goes for you and your crew Captain Sinbad". She continued, speaking gently yet sternly to everyone. "You all need your rest!" A hint of exhaustion was in her own voice.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, it was Sinbad.
"And what about you?" He asked.
Quinn gave him a small smile, "I will not be far behind. Tell Finn that I am fine", she added. She did not want her brother to worry anymore than he already has.
Sinbad nodded his head at her request. He looked to Firouz, in hopes to have a word with him. His friend now had his attention on Mark's leg. He waited till he was done and listened as Firouz spoke reassuringly to Mark. The man was lucky, it sounded like it was an unfortunate sprain. He should expect some bruising during the next few days.
When Firouz finally stood up, Sinbad stepped closer, capturing his friends' attention, "Firouz, have you seen Bryn?"
Firouz's brows rose at the mention of her name. "Yes! I can't believe she did that! Riley told me about it".
Sinbad scanned the nearest lit part of the beach as he spoke, "Is she alright? Where is she?"
"Oh! She's not here. I told Riley to take her back to the inn to get her warm & dry", Firouz explained, "You know there is not much I can do when it comes to her powers", he shook his head, wishing that he could do more and knew more about that aspect of her life. "She was still unconscious when they left. She should be resting".
"Alright," Sinbad ran hand over his face, clearly tired. He needed to see that she really was okay. He, at least, had some direction on where to find her.
"How are you holding up?" Firouz studied his Captain. "How's The Nomad?"
"I'm fine," He answered, "The ship is still in tact. Hopefully it stays that way by morning". He sighed. He needed to get moving. Before doing so, he gave Firouz a slap on the back, "You did great tonight. I am sure everyone in port appreciates it".
Firouz nodded his head nonchalantly at the idea. "I try my best", he spoke with a shrug.
"I've got to find Bryn," Sinbad informed him.
Firouz understood. If it were Velda, he'd be eager to find her too. "I'll be back at the inn soon. If you need me or any one of us; we are mostly on the bottom floor. I'm in room six".
"Thank you", Sinbad spoke gratefully. He knew he could always count on Firouz night or day.
Approaching them, Doubar overhead the tail end of their conversation, "We'll go with you, Sinbad. We are heading back to the inn too", Doubar stated. Rongar and Anders were right beside him.
"Sounds good", Sinbad welcomed the company.
xxxx
"All I've got is this towel," Lara confessed holding up the fabric.
Riley's brows lifted from that confession. He over assumed the inn's hospitality. He was far used to the luxuries of Carthage. As Lara searched, he had gently placed Bryn down on a chair, using his side for support, and she still did not wake. He pointed towards the bed, "Pull down the covers and help me remove her clothes". The goal was to get her dry and warm. He aimed to do it quickly. He watched Lara approach the bed. "Will you toss over that towel?" She did so and he caught it with a free hand. "Thank you".
As she stepped towards Bryn, Lara watched him use the towel to soak up the water in Bryn's hair. He placed it below her shoulders, where her hair fell and watch him squeeze out an any excess drops. His movements were slow and gentle, as if he was being cautious in fear of waking her himself.
"How are we going to do this?" She asked with a whisper.
"I'll hold on to her while you find a way to remove this dress", Riley suggested. He thought that approach was the best way to complete the task. All he had to do was really divert his gaze elsewhere while Lara did most of the work.
Lara took steps to see behind Bryn's back. He knew she wouldn't find what she was looking for there. "The ties are on her left side", he guided her.
"You're right," Lara was surprised he even noticed such detail. As she looked onto the dress, she thought that it was a pity that it was soaked. She remembered seeing Bryn earlier that evening in it. She admired it. It was beautiful yet simple at the same time. Now all it was is heavy and wet.
xxxx
Before entering the lobby of the inn, Sinbad reiterated to his crew that they should get some rest. No one disagreed. Rongar gave a small wave, bidding them goodnight and Anders followed suit.
Sinbad watched them walk towards the guest quarters of the inn. He could tell they were tired, as their walk back into town was a quiet one. He glanced at his brother standing beside him. He seemed to have no intention of leaving. He had a feeling he knew why Doubar decided to stay behind. It was probably a good idea.
Doubar glanced at the entrance of the inn's lobby. The door was wide open and the room was filled with guest and perspective guest. He could make out Finn's tall frame behind the counter having a discussion with one of them. He looked back at Sinbad, noticing his intent to join the crowd as he step towards them. "I take it Firouz didn't tell you what room Bryn would be in".
"If he knew, he would have shared", Sinbad was certain. He stopped mid stride at the entrance of the lobby and turned to Doubar, "Any chance you know what room Riley is in?", he asked hopefully. He really was not in the mood to stand in line to get it out of Finn. From the looks of it, the man was short handed, especially with Quinn helping out on the beach instead of being behind that counter.
Doubar shook his head and answered jokingly, "That's not a usual question I would ask of a man". He looked past Sinbad's shoulder, "We don't need to stand in line to ask Finn. It's a quick question", he shrugged as he waited for Sinbad to agree. "These fine folks would surely understand!" He referred to the tired men in line.
"I wouldn't be so sure", Sinbad was not convinced.
The sound of a loud slap of the wooden counter meeting ones hand brought their attention back inside.
"Everyone! Listen up!" Finn spoke loudly to be heard. "We have no more vacancies. You need to go elsewhere!" He shrugged at the sound of disappointment in the room, "I'm sorry! We just can't fit everyone".
Sinbad grinned at Doubar, "Looks like the line just got shorter".
xxxx
He thanked Lara for her help and told her that there was no reason for her to stay any longer. He assumed she was feeling a little awkward sitting in a room with him in silence after while. He was in no mood for conversation. Riley did not miss the relief on her face after hearing those words. He should have told her to go sooner.
Lara hesitated before shutting the door behind her. She looked into the room at Riley, who was seated beside the bed. He was just leaning forward with his hands together. His eyes were focused on Bryn. She noticed that he refrained from changing out of his own wet clothes. She spoke softly, "I am going to go back to the beach to see if they need anymore help. Is there anything I should tell Firouz?"
Riley met her gaze, "Let him know where we are at", he instructed, "…and that there are no changes," he gestured towards Bryn with one hand, "…she is still out".
"Got it," Lara confirmed with a nod.
"Sinbad will need to know too," he added. "If you see him, tell him the same thing". He knew that the Captain would not be far. Lara nodded again and bid him good night.
It was then when Lara left, shutting the door softly behind her.
Riley let out a deep sigh after he heard the door click shut. His eyes landed on Bryn's sleeping form. She was so still and her features looked relaxed; content even. He wondered when she would wake. He's come to learn that this was not the first time she has lost consciousness by use of her powers. Firouz seemed certain that there was not much he could do at this point. To him, that wasn't very comforting. He did not know much about powers or sorcery. Only that at times, it can be very disarming.
She's disarming, he mused to himself. He stood up. He needed to do something else; be somewhere else. Though, the idea of not leaving her alone stayed with him.
It was not too long ago when Bryn, herself stayed by Firouz's bedside when he fell ill in Carthage. He recalled how adamant she was about not leaving his side incase Firouz were to need anything. A part of him felt that he should do the same for her.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he was sure he saw movement. It confused him, as he reminded himself that he was on the second floor. He took steps closer to the window and discovered that he wasn't just seeing things. There, on the window sill, perched a falcon. He recognized him. "Aren't you a clever one", Riley spoke out loud. He pushed the window open and peered at Dermott. The movement he saw was the falcon's head turning back and forth, watching his surrounding and listening to the night.
It was then when he heard her voice. It was low and quick. Took quick for him to really hear what she said. He turned to face the bed. His eyes landed on Bryn's face. The glow of a nearby candle showed him that her brow was knitted as if she were in pain. It surprised him; as she seemed fine moments ago. He quickly approached her.
"Bryn?" He question out loud. Her eyes were still closed and he wondered if she were only dreaming. Her features relaxed again and she remained still.
Riley wasn't sure what to make of what just happened. He has been around women that have talked in their sleep before but not under the circumstances of unconsciousness due to the act of magic. He was unsure of what to call it.
"Gunner", she murmured. Her head swayed left, only slightly. "Don't..", she whispered. Her head sway to the right.
Now he knew that she was dreaming. He placed a hand on her shoulder. He felt her startle and heard a quiet gasp.
"Sinba…", she let out a breath. Her eyes remained closed and her breathing quickened as if she were in panic.
Riley gave her shoulder a squeeze and caressed her arm, deciding that he needed to wake her. "Bryn", he spoke gently as he sat on the edge of the bed, facing her. "You're in a dream", he tried to coax her awake.
"Please…stop", she begged quietly.
He had to really look at her to see if she was still sleeping. Her words were starting to sound clearer but her eyes remained shut. He could see a tear that had formed and startled to trickle down her cheeks. She was having a nightmare. He allowed his hand to press heavier on her arm as he tried to wake her, shaking her gently. Still nothing. Nothing but silent tears and ragged breathing. Her chest was rising and falling heavily. He was unsure of what else he could do to wake her or to just simply calm her down.
Riley thought of what he's done in the past to wake women in his bed. Perhaps she couldn't hear him. He leaned forward and brought his mouth to her ear. Perhaps she needed to feel his presence; to know that she wasn't alone. He pressed his cheek against her as he spoke softly, "Bryn, you are safe. It is time to wake up". He closed his eyes tightly, in anticipation of regret of what he was about to let himself do. He exhaled slowly, allowing her to feel his breath on her neck. He was sure he felt her body relax the moment his lips touched her neck. "Bryn?" He lifted his head slightly to see if she woke. Her eyes did not meet his. He kissed her cheek and repeated her name again one last time. He studied her closely. Her breathing seemed to have calmed down. He kept his face close to hers and kissed her cheek again. That is when her face moved slightly, angling towards his. She made a small sound in response, it was if she knew he was there. He hesitated and looked at her again. "I need you to wake up right now and stop this", he whispered a little roughly. He felt tense from restraint. She only parted her lips slightly and he couldn't help himself. He brought his lips down onto hers and kissed her. He lingered.
Much to Riley's surprise, in sleep she responded. He felt her move her lips against his to kiss him back. He continued to kiss her only a moment longer. He soon broke apart from her; feeling as though she woke up. He looked down at her and all she did was move her head to the side. He heard her let out a calming breath. She was no longer in her nightmare. It was if she was somewhere in between dream and reality.
"Nothing, huh?" He spoke out loud to her; a rhetorical question. Of course, Bryn did not respond. Riley sighed. He stood up and shook his head. He wondered if she'd remember this. A part of him wanted her to and he realized he wanted to do that again, but under different circumstances.
He let out a heavy sigh and turned towards the door. He needed some air.
xxxx
Finn had both hands on his counter, each splayed out to the side as he watched what seemed like the whole town walking out of his lobby. He felt relieved to watch them go and was thankful that he did not have the capacity to take them all in. He was sorry for them but thankful at the same time.
His brows moved upward as he recognized the two men approaching. "I'm surprised to see you here, Sinbad". He gave a nod at Doubar. "Shouldn't you be at the best cottage we have in port having the best sleep of your life?" He smirked.
Sinbad smiled. Finn always had a good sense of humor. "I wish I was".
"Honestly, I am not all that surprised to see you both here, at this hour, given the night we are having. What do you guys need?" Finn asked, more seriously. He wondered if they were here to simply give him a message. He thought of his sister. "Is Quinn alright?"
"Quinn is fine. She's exhausted but fine". Doubar assured him.
"She's doing a lot of help on the beach", Sinbad added, seemingly impressed.
Finn was not surprised to hear that. She loved this town and the people in it. Of course she would be helping in anyway that she can. "That's Quinn for you", he nodded. He turned his attention back to their needs. "What can I do for the both of you?"
"I'm looking for a woman", Sinbad described Bryn's features. "She may have been carried in by a man that goes by the name of Riley. Did you happen to see them come in?"
"She's a crew member of ours". Doubar explained. "She fell earlier this evening. We just need to find her and make sure she is well".
Finn shook his head, he did not recall anyone carrying a woman into his lobby and he was too busy with his guest to notice what was happening outside the window. "No. I am sorry. I haven't seen her". He looked at Sinbad, trying to make the connection. "Is this the same woman you spoke of earlier this afternoon? Your…"
Sinbad didn't wait for him to finish, "Yes, it's Bryn". He was quick to ask another question, "Can you tell us Riley's room number?" He could only assume she was there.
Doubar and Sinbad watched Finn turn away from them, grabbing a book, as he answered. "I try to not make it a habit of sharing that sort of information", Finn responded. The brothers watched Finn open the book and flipping to a marked page. They glanced at it. From what they could see at their distance, it was a ledger. Finn continued, "I need to respect my guests' privacy", Finn looked at them. "Do you understand?"
Sinbad nodded, truly understanding. "I respect that". He watched Finn's eyes shift to look around the room.
Finn then placed the book on the counter in front of him. He knew the Captain had a quick mind. "Is there any other way I can help?"
Sinbad shook his head.
"Alright. I am sorry", Finn looked at them apologetically and pushed the book towards them, just slightly. "Now if you'll excuse me. I am going to see what I can do about convincing my stubborn sister take a break and rest". He stepped away from the book and counter. "Good luck finding your girl".
"Thank you", Sinbad nodded his head. As soon as Finn turned to walk towards the door , Sinbad grabbed the ledger and rotated it in order to read it quickly.
"I see", Doubar also looked onto the book. Finn was helping after all. The information they needed would be right in front of them. They just had to look themselves.
Sinbad scanned the names, looking for Riley's to be neatly printed. It wasn't there. He looked at anything that started with an "R".
"I don't see it", Doubar's eyes squinted at the opened page.
Sinbad tapped the book, "There. He's got it under RJ". Sinbad close the book and pushed it back towards the other side of the counter. He got all that he needed. "Second floor".
Doubar smiled. "Let's go".