THE RONIN
After they had watched Tetsu sail away, they had embarked in the long boat and gotten back to the Nomad. As they set foot on deck, everyone tended to their usual task when it came to setting sail. They had done it so many times together by now that everybody knew exactly what to do without having to wait for their captain's orders. They knew how to prep that ship for sailing through a coordinated series of tasks that almost seemed like a choreographed dance.
As Maeve grabbed the lines at the bow, Sinbad passed by her as he usually does to go to the tiller. She had just started to attach one line when she felt someone grab her arm. She flipped her head around to see who was there, a few strands of hair slowly falling back in her face as she was still bent down. Sinbad gently pulled her arm inviting her to let go of the lines so he could speak to her face to face. Maeve obliged and straightened up, pulling her rebellious strands of hair behind Her ears. "Doubar told me how you discovered the power of Kata's sword." He began. Maeve immediately rolled her eyes, knowing she was in for a lecture about how she had been acting recklessly.
- It was fine, I can defend myself." She argued as she yanked her arm free for his grip.
- But, you could not know what you were facing. It couldn't have turned out way more dangerous and nobody would have been there to help you.
- I don't need anyone, she added. I can take care of myself.
Sinbad sighed. He was tempted to tell her that he was her captain and that she needed to follow orders. It would have easily settled the argument in his favor, in theory, but he knew all too well he wasn't dealing with a regular sailor. Maeve had a fiery temper, which he admired as much as it annoyed him. He knew she could get defensive and this argument would escalate quickly. He thought for a moment of the right thing to say. "Everyone here can take care of themselves." He started in a tone that came out harsher than he meant. He paused for a moment as Maeve crossed her arms in front of her as he continued. "I am not trying to say you need more protection than anyone here. Not so long ago, you said you wanted to be part of the crew." Maeve's features suddenly softened. She turned her head to look at the horizon in discomfort while the fire inside her was dimming. She took a deep breath before she locked eyes with him again. "In this crew, we work as a team." Maeve stayed silent.
Too proud to admit she might have made a wrong choice. She was relieved that he respected her enough to treat her like everyone else, but her defensive reflexes were hard to tone down. She bit her lower lip, trying to figure out a way to explain herself, to tell him that she understood where he was coming from, but he was the one who broke the silence first. "Will you please work with us, as a member of our team?" Maeve's lips curved in a faint smile. Sinbad smiled back at her before tilting his head and raising his eyebrows, waiting for an answer. "Sure," she simply answered. Sinbad knew he couldn't get anything more from her. She wasn't going to apologize for her actions, but he could tell she felt remorseful. He welcomed this short answer with a sigh of relief. Coming from her, this was a great demonstration of understanding and respect as a crew member, but also, he hoped, as a friend.
Please leave a review if you like this story. I am really working on Maeve and Sinbad's relationship development. I am excited to publish what's coming next.
