DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creater, Ed Naha.
**Thank you for the reviews! I am discovering how much I enjoy writing this story. More soon to come for sure!
Chapter 3
Looking over Firouz's should, Bryn noticed Doubar standing up. Making eye contact with Doubar she smiled. Firouz let her go and pointed towards the crew. "The rest of the crew is over there". Within seconds Doubar was already behind him ready to give Bryn a big bear hug.
"There you are!" Bryn's feet were lifted off the ground, "We've missed you". Doubar held on to her for a few seconds.
"Doubar!" Bryn laughed, "Must breathe!" She was than placed back down. "I've missed you too". Bryn was than approached by Rongar; who gave her a much more gentle hug and a kiss on the cheek. He received a smile from Bryn. To make room, Rongar stepped aside knowing Sinbad was right behind him.
"Come here", Sinbad said. Once his eyes met Bryn's he immediately embraced her for a hug. "I've missed you", he whispered in her ear. Exchanging knowing looks; the crew made their way back to their table to give their Captain some privacy. Seeing that everyone was in better spirits, Doubar went to the bar and ordered another round for the crew, including one for Bryn.
Sinbad was still holding on to Bryn when he leaned in and gave her gentle yet lingering kiss. Although this surprised Bryn; she melted into him. Sinbad has rarely displayed such affections to her in public. Especially in front of the crew. Lately any kisses between the two of them were when they were alone; which was not too often aboard a full ship. Sinbad and Bryn have not yet talked about what's been happening to their relationship the past few months. They both just know there is something there. Whatever it was, Bryn was growing to like it.
"Sinbad", Bryn broke away from the kiss, "You're back sooner than I expected. If I would have known, I would have been here earlier during the day to greet you guys".
"I know. Don't worry we are not setting sail anytime soon. You still have three weeks with your family". Sinbad couldn't help himself and gave her one final quick kiss before stepping back. He grabbed her hand and lead her towards the table the crew occupied.
Bryn was satisfied with that response and was once again surprised when she felt that Sinbad put his arm around her waist once they reached the table. Doubar smiled at the couple and handed Bryn and Sinbad their drinks. This caused Sinbad to let go of Bryn to reach for his ale. He nodded his thanks to his brother while ignoring his brother's teasing look. He was sure he would need to answer some questions from Doubar later on.
"When you guys are done, my brother, Gunnar and Aunt Meg are fixing up dinner for all of us". Bryn took a seat next to Firouz. "I can lead you guys there".
"Sounds grand! I'm starving!" Firouz declared and stood up, "First let me go the Inn, I got distracted by Bryn's arrival when I intended to take care of our sleeping arrangements earlier".
"Don't worry about me, Firouz. I will be staying on The Nomad", Sinbad looked at the scientist.
"Are you sure, Sinbad? Doubar asked, "We've been at sea for days".
"The rest of the crew will not have enough coin to be staying at an Inn for three weeks", he nodded towards a few of his other crewman at the bar, "They are probably spending most of it as we speak".
"At the last port they invested some coin on some attractive belly dancers too". Firouz chimed in. "I was just observing", he added.
Sinbad shrugged, "I sleep better in my own bed anyways. You guys feel free to stay in the Inn. I know we can use the break and luxury every now and then". With that Firouz made his way towards the exit.
Sinbad looked to Bryn, "Benson mentioned you've been staying here? I thought you'd be with Gunnar."
"There was a fire". Bryn responded, "Luckily, no one got hurt. Dermott woke me in time to get out. I ran into Gunnar's room to wake him. Once we got out the roof clasped. Aunt Meg offered her home . She already had her two daughters under her roof", she explained, "I felt It would have been too crowded for me to stay as well. Mira was kind enough to offer me a room upstairs here".
"Do you know what started the fire?" Doubar asked.
"No idea. There were no candles on and the fire pit burnt out by the time I fell asleep". Bryn shrugged.
"I'm glad no one got hurt. Gunnar was lucky you saved his life", Sinbad placed a hand on her back.
"Bryn!" Benson approached their table. "I knew you'd show up!" He turned to the crew, "You're friends were starting to get worried".
"All is well!" Bryn reassured Benson with a sweet smile.
"Very good, my dear. " Benson turn to Sinbad, "Now Sinbad, will you find me tomorrow? I wish to discuss business with you".
Always open for work, Sinbad nodded his head, "Yes, of course".
"Good" Benson put his empty mug on the table and looked to the rest of the crew, "I bid you all goodnight. If I stay in this Tavern any longer, I'm sure to get into trouble", he joked while walking away. He past Firouz on his way out and said his goodbye as well.
Firouz returned to the table, "We are all set. The Inn has a lot of guest so two of us has to share a room". He explained. "I don't mind sharing".
Rongar raised his hand to volunteer. He pointed towards Doubar and covered his ears. The crew laughed when they read that he didn't want to listen to Doubar's snoring.
"It's settled than", Sinbad stood up. "Shall we head over to Aunt Meg's?" Everyone agreed and made their way out of the Tavern.
The walk to Aunt Meg's was not very far. Within eight minutes Bryn could already see light coming from her Aunt's windows. As they approached the house, they could smell the distinct aroma of fish fry coming from the back of the house. Bryn lead them through the front door. No one was inside. Although it was empty, the home felt cozy and warm. It was decorated just enough to please the eye. "Everyone must be outside", Bryn explained and lead them to an opening towards the back.
She and the crew saw the blazing fire that was frying up the fish that was caught during the day. Next to it was Gunnar and Felix with their backs to them. A few feet away was a candlelit table, which sat Aunt Meg.
"Hello!" Bryn greeted. Gunnar and Felix turned around.
Aunt Meg stood up to greet her guest. "Welcome!" She walked up to each man and gave them a kiss on the cheek. "I am so happy you are all here!"
"We thank you for your invitation", Sinbad said on behalf of the crew. "Especially on such short notice".
Aunt Meg smiled, "You are all always welcome in my home". She looked on to the table that had mugs of wine waiting for them. "Please, help your self". She handed one to Bryn and Firouz while the Doubar and Rongar grabbed their own.
Gunnar approached Sinbad and shook his hand, "Welcome back, Sinbad". He turned to all of them and smiled, "Welcome! Dinner will be ready in five minutes". Gunnar saw Felix approach them as well, "I don't think you've met my good friend, Felix".
Felix held out his hand to Doubar, Rongar, and Firouz. "It is very nice to meet all of you". He shook Sinbad's hand as well, "A friend of Gunnar is a friend of mine".
Bryn noticed Dermott perched on a tree limb over the table and went to greet him with a caress to his beak, "Have you eaten?" she silently asked him.
"Not yet, now that you've return I will go hunt", Dermott replied and flew off.
"Where is he off to?" Felix was walking towards Bryn.
"He is catching his own dinner", Bryn responded. From behind Felix she can see Aunt Meg ushering the crew to sit down at the table.
"Dermott seems to be quite attached to you", Felix observed. "It's amazing how you two communicate".
Bryn smiled and made her way towards the table while Felix followed, "He and I understand each other but I can't really explain it". At the table Bryn noticed Aunt Meg sat herself next to Rongar, which was no surprise. She remembered Aunt's Meg's comments about Rongar's muscular arms. Amused, Bryn laughed to herself and took an empty seat between Sinbad and her brother. Felix sat across from her, which was next to Firouz and Doubar.
"I am sorry my daughters are not here to greet you. They already made plans to spend the evening with a friend down the road". Aunt Meg passed around a dish filled with potatoes. Her daughters were twins of just thirteen. Their father was ill and passed away when they were ten.
From the first visit the crew were aware of her situation and agreed to each other to help her out anytime they can while they were around. Even for little things, such as chopping wood or hunting. Aunt Meg just couldn't do all of it. She was lucky Gunnar was not far throughout the past three years.
"We will see them tomorrow", Doubar replied. "Apologies are not necessary". He patted her hand.
"Bryn, you do travel with fine company", Aunt Meg smiled to her niece. She looked to Sinbad, "I thank you for welcoming her to your crew. I wish her mother was here to meet you. Bryn's mother and father would have love all of you!" Aunt Meg referred to her deceased sister and brother-in-law.
Gunnar nodded his head in agreement, "You have grown up well. They would be proud". He pointed to himself and looked at Bryn, "I'm proud".
Bryn held back tears. She never had family say such wonderful things to her before that she could remember. Tonight was the first time she truly felt loved by them. She felt Sinbad place his hand on her knee and give it a gentle squeeze. Looking up at him, she smiled.