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DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creater, Ed Naha.
"I'd say we have come to the right place", Doubar nodded upwards at a window ahead of them. There was Dermott, perched on the ledge. The falcon saw them approaching and greeted them with a small chant.
"He found her", Sinbad noted out loud, catching sight of their friend.
"Why am I not surprised?" Doubar spoke rhetorically, shaking his head.
To the right of the window was the stairway to additional guest rooms of the inn. At the landing stood Riley, leaning forward with his elbows resting on the rail. Though the lighting was dim, he was able to recognize Sinbad and Doubar walking towards the stairs. "It's about time you two show up", he greeted them flatly.
Sinbad and Doubar started to climb the stairs. "We expected to see you on the beach", Doubar pointed out. "You weren't there".
Riley shrugged, "The plans changed. You can thank Firouz for that", he finished with a single nod.
"How is she?" Sinbad asked once they reached the landing. He made brief eye contact with Riley and glance passed the man's shoulders. The door behind him was ajar. He stepped towards it to enter before waiting for an answer. He needed to see Bryn.
"She's comfortable", Riley answered. Though, he could see that it was not necessary for him to do so, he gestured a hand forward, inviting them both into his room. He walked behind them as he continued to speak. "I followed your doctors' orders. She is dry and warm".
As Sinbad entered the room, he approached the bed. Bryn slept on her back, her head tilted to the side. A candle was lit. He could see her clearly. He wasn't thrilled with the realization of Riley having to undress her, but at the same time understood the need. He didn't say anything as he watched her features. He felt a protectiveness towards her. A feeling he's had ever since they first met on that island. His eyes raised back up to look at Riley. He felt his jaw twitch with annoyance and tried to look past what has already been done. He knew that Riley was only listening to Firouz's instructions. "She hasn't woken?", he questioned.
"She stirred a little bit earlier but did not wake", Riley answered. "It seemed as if she was dreaming".
"Why do you say that?" Doubar asked roughly, his tone and expression seemed agitated. He stood at the foot of the bed, looking at Bryn as well. He too was worried.
"She spoke in her sleep. It wasn't very clear. Though, she did call out for someone named Gunner". He looked for any reaction from the brothers. "Do you know who that could be?" He saw Doubar glance at Sinbad. He was certain they recognized the name by the small exchange.
"That's her brother", Sinbad confirmed.
"I see", he wasn't aware that she had a brother. "Perhaps a nightmare than?" Riley laughed half-heartedly. He grinned, looking between the two men again. He seemed to be the only one amused.
"I didn't know she talks in her sleep", Doubar thought out loud. He glanced at Sinbad, "You would know more than anyone. Has she done that around you?"
"Very few", Sinbad's answer was short. His whole body was tense, his mind restless. He felt, one minute he was comfortable, having dinner with Bryn, pouring his heart out to her, and the next thing he knows is that they are there, away from the solitude of Finns' cabin with her well-being in question.
The room was silent for a moment. Everyone in their own thoughts.
"I'd like to stay here with her, if you don't mind?", Sinbad stated. He met Riley's gaze, hating that he had to ask. His room was the last place he wanted him and Bryn to stay in.
Riley nodded his head in response. "There is room for both of us".
"Sinbad, you should get some rest", Doubar reminded him. "Who knows what tomorrow will bring". He had a feeling there would be a lot more work to do on The Nomad; possibly some repairs. He didn't even want to mention the help that Ryder and Max would need on their ship; if it was still salvageable.
"I know. I will try", Sinbad tried to assure him with a nod. He took a step towards Doubar and gave him a hard squeeze on the shoulder, "You should go do the same".
Doubar looked reluctant to leave. "I can stay too if you'd like".
"Don't worry, Doubar! We'll keep to our own corner", Riley joked from the opposite side of the room.
Doubar and Sinbad both turned to look at him. There, he stood with his arms crossed, now looking out the window. Doubar stole a last glance at Bryn's sleeping form and looked onto his brother. He gave a small laugh at their current situation. He truly felt bad for him. He knew this was not the kind of evening he imagined when pulling into port. He grinned, "I supposed it is getting crowded in here". He stepped towards the door and opened it, ready to leave them be. "Good night. I will find you in the morning, Sinbad".
"Goodnight, Doubar", Sinbad repeated. He gave his brother one more assuring nod and closed the door behind him. He let out a controlled breath before turning to face Riley.
All Riley could feel was tension in the air as he watched Sinbad make his way through the room, eventually pulling out a chair. The Captain placed it beside the bed, closer to Bryn. Riley felt awkward, especially with what just happened earlier between him and Bryn. He broke the silence as he too found a chair. He sat down at the small desk in the room, facing Sinbad and Bryn. "So…any idea of what is going on here?" He asked evenly.
"Not in the slightest. Someone is obviously not happy with the sailors in this port", Sinbad let out an exhausted breath. The sight of the flames on the ships were fresh in his memory. The sound of chaos of townspeople was an echo in his thoughts.
"Someone or a group of someones", Riley thought out loud as he leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs out in front of him. "It seemed well planned out". He shook his head, slightly amazed, "Three explosions in one night".
Sinbad sighed. He agreed with Riley, something like this would be anything but random. By morning the town will be at a frenzy looking for answers. He sat back against his chair comfortably and thought of Ryder and Max. If timing allowed it, he wanted to help them in any way that he can. He couldn't delay for too long; he still needed to transport cargo to Grey. He looked at Bryn, already deciding if she doesn't wake up by the time they needed to leave port, he'd have to carry her back to the ship. She would be comfortable enough. He certainly wasn't going to leave her behind.
"Thank you for helping Bryn", Sinbad spoke sincerely, meeting Riley's eyes. "She was lucky you were so near".
The corner of Riley's mouth turned upward. He did not expect to hear that. "Remind me to tell her that she owes me when she wakes up", his gaze returned to Bryn.
"Something tells me you don't need reminding", Sinbad quickly voiced. He knew he needed to change the subject. It was the way Riley looked at Bryn that did not sit well with him. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked at Riley. He opened his mouth to speak, but Riley beat him to it.
"I can't take all the credit. I had help, if that makes you feel any better". Riley continued, "It was one of the girls in town". His hand went up to his face, to rub the outside corner of his right eye, "Firouz arranged it and for the life of me, I can't recall her name right now". Exhaustion was starting to get the better of him. "I told her to find you so you'd know where we were. I had hoped she would run into you and Doubar".
That information did make him feel a little better, Sinbad silently admitted to himself. "She may have missed us while we were talking to Finn; we thought he would have seen you".
"I should have told her to go sooner than", Riley shrugged. He knew that he couldn't change anything and he didn't give it a second thought.
"Did you have luck finding passage out of port today?" Sinbad asked, sitting back in his chair. He felt as if he couldn't sit still. He felt anxious. His eyes were still on Bryn's still form.
Riley half laughed. He lifted his boots, resting his feet at the end of the bed, one ankle crossed over the other. "Negotiations are still at play. I should know more by tomorrow's end".
"With who?" Sinbad looked at him.
"Why don't we get some rest, as your brother suggested?" Riley avoided the answer. He shifted in his seat, in aim to be more comfortable.
Sinbad did not push it. For a brief, moment he wondered if Riley was lying. He was sure he'd find out soon enough. He nodded his head in agreement and brought his attention back to Bryn, silently willing her to wake up as he fought his own sleep.
xxxx
It was the dark hours of the morning when Bryn's eyes blinked open. She felt confused. A dream? Only a small amount of light filtered through the window. She slowly sat herself up, resting her weight on her elbows as her eyes adjusted to the room. Where am I? She turned her head and saw Sinbad seated to the left of her. She let out a breath that she didn't realize she was holding. Wherever she was now, she knew that she was safe.
She could see that Sinbad's eyes were closed as his head rested just over his right shoulder. He was asleep. Bryn then focused on another figure in the room. Someone was seated before her, near the foot of the bed. She could tell that it was a man. The silhouette of his broad shoulders made it clear as he folded his arms in front of him on the desk. He too was asleep, his head resting on his arms.
Bryn moved to sit up higher and immediately felt a chill. She pulled the covers up, only now realizing her state of dress or lack of dress. Her mind went to the evening. The last thing she remembered was the fire. She remembered Max and Ryder's ship. What happened? She asked herself. She looked towards Sinbad again. He was the only thing in this room that was familiar. She wondered how long he's been sitting there and how long she's been sleeping. He was at an arm's reach of her. She couldn't just sit and wait.
"Sinbad?" Bryn whispered. She touched his knee gently to wake him.
Startled, Sinbad woke at her touch. He sat up straighter and leaned forward to place a hand on her bare shoulder. "Bryn", he spoke low. He stood up quickly to be at her side. "You're fine, you're safe". He whispered to her immediately. There was enough light in the room to see the concern on her face. He sat at the edge of the bed, facing her. "How do you feel?" His hand caressed down her arm as he looked at her.
"I feel fine", Bryn replied. It was the truth. Her eyes found Sinbad's, "The fire! How are Ryder and Max?" She had so many questions. "Where are we?" Her eyes darted towards the foot of the bed, "Who's that?" She asked in a whisper.
"Max and Ryder are safe. That, there, would be Riley sleeping. We are in his room at the Inn", he answered softly. He felt her move, adjust.
"His room?" She repeated, clearly confused.
"He carried you here to get you dry and warm". Sinbad answered the question before she asked. "You fell".
Bryn stilled, listening. "I don't remember", She dreaded those words. Her memory failed her again. "Are the crew okay?" She questioned softly.
"They are all here resting", Sinbad answered with a nod. "In their own rooms".
She knew he still referred to the Inn. Her mind was at a whirlwind as she willed herself to remember anything that happened. She recalled the fire and pictured Sinbad running towards the flames to get to Max. She reached out with her right hand, letting it rest on his arm. "Are you okay?" Concern was evident in her voice. The lighting was so poor, she couldn't see if he had any injuries. Anyone on the ship could have easily been burned.
"I am fine", he assured her, "especially now that you're awake", he added. He hand touched her side. "You've been asleep for some time. You had me worried". He felt her shiver through the sheet and she grew silent in thought. Sinbad spoke gently. He sensed her unease of not knowing, not remembering everything. He brought a hand to her cheek in the dark, "You helped a lot of people last night. You used your powers. You took out the fire, Bryn".
"I fainted again, didn't I?" She could see Sinbad nod his head. She let out a frustrated groan at herself. "Why do I do that?" She asked the room, louder than she intended. She felt weak in her abilities, wishing she was stronger.
Bryn could then feel Sinbad's warm hands rubbing against her arms. She could see his face clearly now. He looked tired and so concerned sitting beside her. He seemed so tensed. "Sinbad", she whispered. She sat up straighter, one hand held the covers in front of her and the other found the front of his shirt, tugging at the fabric gently to pull him closer, "I'm fine", she tried to sound assuring. She leaned forward, finding his lips with her own and kissed him.
His response was quick, kissing her in return. He relaxed into that kiss for only a moment. They heard Riley stir, a shift of his foot against the floorboard maybe. Sinbad reluctantly broke apart from the kiss and glanced over his shoulder. Riley's head was still down, still asleep. If they were anywhere else, he would have held her longer. He glanced towards the window, the room was slowly getting lighter. The sun was starting to rise. He looked back at Bryn, caressing her arm again. "Do you need to rest more?", he asked.
"I don't think I could go back to sleep", Bryn admitted with a slight shake of her head.
"Same here", Sinbad felt that there was too much that needed to be done. "Any chance you feel up to going to the ship with me. I'd like to look around and get a good idea of what supplies we need for any repairs from the fire. I am sure there will be some high demand the later it gets.
Bryn nodded her head, "I'll come".
"You're sure?" Sinbad knew she was always quick to stand back up after any fall but the length of time she stayed asleep due to her powers concerned him. It was the longest he and the crew have witnessed seeing her down.
She nodded her head as she looked onto Riley as he slept. She was speaking the truth. She felt fine. She started to look around the room. "I just need my…clothes". She wrapped the covers around her and started to stand.
Sinbad stood up to retrieve it. He saw it earlier. He assumed it would be dry by now. "There is a washroom in here", he guided her to another part of the room. "That's probably the best place to change".
"Thank you", Bryn gave him a grateful smile as she took her dress from him. They stood just outside the washroom. She lingered close to him and gave him another kiss. "Thank you for staying," she added and she kissed him again.
Sinbad didn't care about anyone else in the room. He knew it was going to be a long day and he needed this moment with her. He was going to take it. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. He placed a hand below her ear and kissed her thoroughly, rubbing her cheek gently with his thumb as he deepened the kiss.
Bryn clutched onto the sheet in front of her and let a hand rest against his back. She managed to keep a hold of her dress behind him as she pulled him in close with her arm. He felt warm against her and she didn't want him to stop doing what he was doing. Her mind went to what he shared with her on the beach the night before. His kiss only emphasized the truth of his words. When they parted, she looked up at him. She could see so much emotion and desire in his eyes. She almost said the words back to him right there.
Sinbad gave her a small smile as he looked her. "I'll wait for you outside", he whispered.
Bryn nodded her head. "Okay". He kissed her forehead before letting her go.