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Sinbad sat at a table in the dark recesses of the tavern. Normally, he'd be sitting near the front with Doubar or one of the others to keep him company as they drank and made merry, enjoying a rare shore leave. But the quiet darkness of the shadows fit his melancholy mood tonight, so he sat alone with his thoughts, nursing a mug of ale.
He sighed and stared into the ale, it's dark depths reminding him of Bryn and his heart felt the all too familiar ache. It had been almost two weeks now since they'd dropped her off at Basra so she could spend some time with DimDim and Caipra. She'd hoped they could teach her more about her powers and how to control them better. He hadn't wanted to leave her there, but he'd had responsibilities to the rest of the crew, and cargo to deliver... and pick up... and inventory... and meet with an important Caliph... the list was endless. Bryn had insisted he go and take care of things. After all, he was the Captain on the Nomad.
He wrinkled his nose and sighed again. It wasn't that he disliked being the Captain. It was just... he didn't quite know what he was feeling. After they'd kissed and he'd promised to be back in a month to pick her up... when he'd stood on the deck, watching her grow smaller and smaller as they sailed away from Basra... he'd had an almost uncontrollable urge to head back. To turn the Nomad back into port and let Doubar take the Nomad while he stayed in Basra with her.
And there were other things. He couldn't seem to concentrate. On anything. More than once, Doubar had caught him at the tiller, lost in thought while the Nomad went round in almost circles. And that urge kept coming back to him - to return to Basra to her - every day for the two weeks she'd been gone. He couldn't sleep, missing her softness, missing the way she'd snuggle close to him on the cool nights. And when he did, his dreams were of her. She occupied almost every minute of his days and nights and it was driving him insane, not being able to see her, to talk to her, hold her and kiss her. To spend the late evening hours, watching the dark sea and the stars above. Watching her as the wind blew her long, dark hair around her shoulders.
He took a sip of the now warm ale and grimaced. 'Just admit it... you miss her...' he thought to himself. Missed her companionship, her friendship, their easy and comfortable banter... . Missed the way she made him feel...
He began to feel restless and the urge to do something totally rash filled him. Why couldn't he just hop on a ship heading to Basra and leave the Nomad under Doubar's care? Even the Captain deserved a break every once in a while. No one would question his actions... and if they did, so what? So he wasn't known for shirking responsibilities. But he wasn't shirking them. Just.... delegating. That's right, delegating. He argued with himself for a little while, before he noticed that soft music filled the room and conversation had ceased.
He looked up and saw that someone was sitting on the counter, quietly playing a lute and singing. He leaned back and listened to the words.
When you love someone, you'll do anything.
You'll do all the crazy things, that you can't explain.
You'll shoot the moon, put out the sun,
When you love someone.
You'll deny the truth, believe a lie,
There'll be times that you believe that you can really fly,
But your lonely nights, have just begun,
When you love someone.
When you love someone, you feel it deep inside,
And nothing else, could ever change your mind.
When you want someone, when you need someone,
When you love someone....
When you love someone, you sacrifice,
Give it everything you got, and you won't think twice.
You risk it all, no matter what may come,
When you love someone.
Yeah... you shoot the moon,
Put out the sun....
When you love someone.
As the song ended and people began to clap, Sinbad found himself smiling and nodding. The words made sense to him and struck at the heart of his thoughts. He pushed himself away from the table, his mind made up as to what he was going to do. As he passed the singer, he gave him two gold coins and a grin as thanks.
He hurried to the Nomad, ran down to his quarters and swiftly packed a small bag of extra clothes. He then ran to the galley and threw the door open, startling Doubar, Rongar, and Firouz who were sitting and eating a late supper.
"Doubar, you're in charge! I'll see you in a few weeks! Take care of the Nomad!"
Rongar stared wide eyed and open mouthed as Sinbad turned and left, his footsteps fading up the stairs.
Doubar sat in silence for a moment, then a huge grin broke out on his face. He threw back his head and laughed loudly before looking at Firouz and holding out his hand.
"You, my friend, owe me a gold coin!"
Firouz shook his head and reached into his pocket. "Point of fact, it is the next day, which would make it 13 days that Sinbad held out before giving in to heading back to see Bryn, not 12 like you'd said..." he paused at Doubar's frown. "But that's only if we take things literally..."
"Pay up, Firouz!"
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