Old Memories Are Hard To Forget

        Maeve looked out at the open sea from the sandy beach. Her long white dress flowing in the wind. 'It's such a shame. After all the time that I spent on the Nomad, they haven't even mentioned me once. It's like they've totally forgotten about me, they've completely erased any memory of me. That new girl Bryn has now taken my place. Maeve felt a pang of anger within her, but tried to surpress it. It's not Bryn's fault that the others have forgotten about me and our adventures together, that they now look to her for magick, even though she doesn't even know how to use it, that 

They have replaced me with her, even though she could hardly fill my shoes. LIKE HELL IT ISN'T! Ever since she replaced me, the whole crew seems to have forgotten all that we had been through when I was there. How I used to help get them out of jams, and make a place for myself so that as a woman they would treat me as an equal. That was hard work! Getting a bunch of sailors to respect and treat you with dignity isn't a walk in the park. It took a lot of time and hard work, but finally, they grew to respect and appreciate me. Bryn just waltzed in and settled down, she didn't have to worry about proving herself or trying to fit in. The job was already done for her. But I suppose that the blame doesn't really fall on her, the person I'm really furious at is Sinbad. He's completely forgotten about me, and of the special bond we shared. He never mentions me, and he turns the conversation in another direction if it's going to have something to do with me. He's changed, and definitely not for the better. Not only physically has he changed, with those tight leather pants, long hair and stubble, who does he

think he is, he never wore anything like that when I was on board,  it 

must have something to do with my absence, but he's also changed in other ways. The way he fights for example. He doesn't really care if he kills or not, just as long as he gets the job done. Doesn't really show many emotions, he just acts darker altogether. And what about all those hussies, a woman at every port. Did he not have any feelings for me, that he would forget about me in such a way. He doesn't know how much that hurts me. I know that we didn't really admit to any of our feelings, but I really thought we had something, or, were starting to have something at least. I guess I was wrong. I realize now that he is not the same man I used to know, and care about. 

 Dim Dim says that my powers have grown tremendously, and my training 

Is almost complete. He says that I can return to the Nomad, and be with my family. I used to look forward to that day, I used to work extra-hard so that I would finish my training quickly, so that I could join them. Now however, after watching them, I'm not so sure.' 

   It was night time. The stars were shimmering in all there glory, from the pitch black sky, as the full moon cast an eerie glow on whatever it's beams touched. Sinbad had the night shift and was manning the tiller. It was on clear nights like these, when no one was around, that Sinbad could finally be alone with his thoughts. He smiled at all that they had accomplished. They were doing well with their deliveries, and were actually ahead of schedule for a change. The recent adventure they had been on flashed in his head, and he remembered saving that village from a gigantic monster who ate children. They could have destroyed it with fire, but they didn't have enough time to get some of Firouz's exploding sticks, so Sinbad jumped in a lake, and risked his life to draw the monster to one of the deeper ends, while the crew pushed a big boulder on it, causing it to sink and drown. After spending so much time in the cold water however, Sinbad caught a cold

and was sick for a week.

 'Boy, Maeve's fireballs would have certainly 

have come in handy then.' A twinge of pain went through Sinbad. Maeve. He tried not to think about of her, but sometimes on nights like this one, when he was alone and in touch with his thoughts, memories of her seemed to slip in. He was angry at her for leaving him all alone, and any memories of her were to painful, so he told the crew that Maeve was gone and that he didn't want them speaking about her. He tried to erase her memory.  He used women and wine as an escape, to replace the pain with passion. What Mala had said to him when scratch was trying to persuade him to the dark side really hit a chord, 

   "It's all right to be confused, and hurt, and angry. Sometimes

when we loose the one we love, we pretend not to hurt, we pretend that were to tough to care, 'till eventually, we forget we're pretending." Truer words were never spoken. This complete stranger could see right through the thick defensive walls he put up, right into his soul. She could see his innermost thoughts, the ones even he tried not to see.  She was right about everything of course, on how he tried to pretend to be tough and not to care.  He was more confused now however, then when he was before. He didn't know what to do. He just left it to fate to decide his future, for it was to complicated for him to decide. But little did he know that fate was going to throw him a twist.

Part 2

        I have thought about it. Dim Dim says that my training is complete, and I must make my decision about returning to the Nomad soon. The portal can only appear for a certain period of time, and if I miss it there won't be another chance for a long time. How can I possible go back there, things will never be as they were, to much has happened since I last left. How can he do that to me. How dare he do that to me! After all we've been through! A spark set a fire deep inside Maeve alight, and it grew and fueled her anger. He just can't forget that I never existed, he can't pretend that nothing was between us!  After all that we've been through. I promised myself a long time ago that I would never fall in love with another man, and then Sinbad comes along, and I had to break that promise, and what happens the moment I'm gone, he meets another women. Well guess what Sinbad, I'm not going to let you forget me. I am a person and I do exist. I was a member of your crew, a good member, and I won't let you forget that. I will not let myself be erased! It's settled then, I'm going, and I'm going to give Sinbad the shock of his life. 

   The Nomad cut through the sparkling sea, like a knife through butter, as it sailed towards it's destination. 

  "Where are we going today little brother?" asked Doubar, who was in a

cheery mood that morning. 

  "To Baghdad Doubar, the Caliph has called us back for a celebration 

which he has thrown in our honor, for all loyal service we've done for him." Smiled Sinbad happily.

  "A celebration!" Exclaimed Doubar, "That's great Sinbad, just what we

needed after our last adventure, some relaxation.

  "A celebration with the Caliph Doubar," Sinbad said with mock 

seriousness.

 "Since when was a celebration with the Caliph relaxing Doubar?" Both men laughed at that.

 "We'll, I guess the Caliph kind of over does it, but anything with 

wine, women and feasting is relaxing to me Sinbad," that just set them off on another laughing fit. After there laughter died down, Doubar asked, " So when are you going to announce it to the crew?"

  "Right now Doubar. Everyone, may I have your attention!," shouted 

Sinbad. "Can I have everyone on deck! I have an announcement to make!" After everyone was on deck, including, Firouz, Bryn, and Rongar, Sinbad

announced, " We have all been invited to a celebration which the Caliph 

has thrown in our honor. I have set a course for Baghdad, men, we're going home!" At that the whole crew began to cheer. Things were definitely looking up, but Sinbad couldn't help but wonder how long it would remain that way. 

Part 3.

They arrived at the port early morning, and were starting to unload and 

Set of for the palace. 

  " It's going to be great seeing the Caliph after all this time, isn't 

it Sinbad?" Said Doubar.

  " Aye, that it will be. We have so many stories of our many adventures to share with him," answered Sinbad.

  " I can't wait to check out the great architecture of the palace," said Firouz happily, " It really is a work of art."

  " Well with all the money the Caliph has it should look good," laughed Doubar. Rongar signaled that he agreed. 

 " Wow, I can't believe that I'm going to be inside the Caliph's palace, and on top of that, as an honored guest." exclaimed Bryn.

  " You'll love it Bryn, they'll be plenty of handmaids waiting on you 

hand and foot. And the clothing that the Caliph will have for you will be the finest you've ever seen. I'm sure you'll look lovely in them," said Sinbad.

 Bryn blushed at that, " Thank you Sinbad," she cherished any compliment Sinbad gave her. Over the past few months Bryn had started to fall in love with the lovely captain. How could she not, all you had to do was look at him, and you would swoon. Bryn loved everything about him, from his expert sword fighting, to his charming smile. She thought that Sinbad had feelings for her as well. After you've spent so much time with some one, your bound to start having some feelings for them, right. That was what Bryn was counting on, at least, and that passionate kiss they shared just justified it. She was going to win him over no matter what. She knew of his many conquests, a girl in every port, but that didn't really bother her. They were no match for her, she thought. Sinbad won't give those girls a second thought when he's with me, they're no competition. The only person that might have remotely been a problem would have been that Maeve girl, the One the crew talks about behind Sinbad's back, but she's long gone, and Sinbad's completely forgotten about her. No competition there. Bryn's

thoughts were interrupted by Sinbad's announcement.

  " All right everyone, let's head for the palace," Sinbad yelled. The 

crew cheered, and they headed off. *******

   When they reached the outskirts of the city they were met by a 

Welcoming committee, which escorted them to the palace.

  " Now this is the life," said Doubar

  "Point of fact," said Firouz, " I absolutely agree." They reached the gates of the breathtaking  palace, and were let in.

  " The Caliph will see you and your crew in the throne room," said a 

servant to Sinbad.

  "Thank you," replied Sinbad. They made there way to the throne room,

passing many different tapestries and vases with intricate designs on 

them. Finally, they arrived at the great marble doors of the throne room. They were pulled open, and right away they were met with a berage of servants carrying food and wine, ready to do their biding. 

  " Sinbad my dear boy, welcome!" the Caliph said joyfully. "It has been such a long time since I've last seen you, my have you changed, let me have a look at you." Sinbad stepped forward and shook the Caliph's hand.

  " It is good to see you too old friend," replied Sinbad. "You remember my crew"

  " Ah yes, it's good to see you again men," the Caliph said warmly, " 

You should all be very proud of yourselves, you have served your Caliph and country very well, but wait, I see you have a new member, " said the Caliph looking at Bryn. " And who might this lovely young lady be Sinbad?"

  "This is Bryn your highness, I found her on an island after I got 

tossed overboard, and she has been a valuable member of my crew ever since. " said Sinbad proudly.

  "Ah I see, I'm very pleased to meet you my dear."

  "I am honored to meet you as well your highness." said Bryn curtseying. Then she went back to her place in line.

  "Ah, Sinbad, where is that red-headed sorceress who used to amuse me 

so. She sure had a lot of spirit, that's for sure. It will be so nice 

talking with her again, such a lovely young lady." said the Caliph happily. At that a shadow of sorrow cast over Sinbad's face.

  " I'm afraid that Maeve is no longer with us Caliph," said Sinbad with a trace of pain in his voice. "She got knocked overboard in a storm, but she's all right. Dim Dim saved her, and she's with him training her powers.

  "I'm  very sorry to hear that Sinbad. I know she meant a lot to you." 

Said the Caliph sadly.

  "She was a very valuable member of my crew,"  was all Sinbad said Then he regained his stance.

  "She will be missed. Then let this celebration also be in honor of her, for she has done a great deal for me as well in her short time with us." The crew cheered at that, they though it was a great idea, all except for Bryn and Sinbad.

  " That is not necessary," said Sinbad sternly, cutting the crew's 

cheers off. 

  " We don't want to mess up any of your well thought up preparations,"  

said Sinbad, trying to use that as an excuse.

  " Pish posh!," Exclaimed the Caliph, "No trouble at all, just a few 

minor adjustments that's all. I insist actually."

  "As you wish," was all Sinbad could say.

Part 4

   The celebration started off with a bang, literally. Firouz made special exploding sticks which gave off colour when they exploded, and he was firing them in the air. It was a breathtaking. 

  " I call them fireworks," said Firouz. " Because they are an example of one of the many ways that fire can work. It's also a tribute to Maeve in my own way." At that Sinbad glared at him. Firouz knew that Sinbad didn't like mentioning her, it was bad enough that this whole celebration was partially dedicated to her, and every time she was mention a pang of pain would strike in his heart, even though he didn't show it.

  After the 'Fireworks' display, the crew and the rest of the guests went into the ball room, where the actual celebration was going to take 

place. On one half of the room there were long tables dawned with rich 

tablecloths and napkins, and the finest silverware, china, and crystal that you could find. Orderves were already out, and the servants stood ready to be beckoned at a moments notice. The crew had the central and most decorated table in the room. The Caliph sat at the end, with Sinbad to his right and Bryn to his left.  Everyone was starving by the time they took there seats, and were ready to devour all the food that was there, Doubar leading the pack. The Caliph stood up and hit his glass with his fork to get everyone's attention. 

  " I was going to start this feast of with a speech, but I think that if I kept you fine people away from the food any longer, I would start 

having attempts on my life," at that everyone started to laugh. " I can 

already see that Doubar is about ready to silence me by the way that he's holding his stake knife." Everyone laughed even harder at that. "So I decided to postpone the speech till later.  All I have to say for now is, 'Eat well great crew of the Nomad, you deserve every morsel'." The whole crowd started clapping their hands and cheering for the sailors. "So without further adew, let the feast commence." Everyone started cheering and clapping their hands at that announcement.

*************************************

   Half way through the feast, everyone was full, there was so much food, that no one could take another bite, no one that is, except for Doubar. 

  " Doubar, how can you eat another bite," exclaimed Sinbad. " I'm about ready to keel over already."

  "That's the difference between you and me Sinbad, I treat eating as an art. You have to try every morsel to truly savor it."

  " There's that difference, and the fact that you weigh about a hundred pounds more then me." said Sinbad teasingly.  That earned a round of laughs from the crew and the Caliph.

  "You just can't appreciate  good food like I can Sinbad" Doubar said

  " Appreciate, so that's what you call gobbling down half of the 

Caliph's feast without coming up for air." said Firouz, adding on to Sinbad's last joke. That earned an even louder round from the crew, even Doubar laughed good-naturedly.                                                                         The band started to strike up the music, and people started to dance. 

On the way in Sinbad spotted a few very beautiful women who were staring at him googly eyed, he wouldn't mind dancing with any of them.

  Bryn saw the way Sinbad was staring at those other women, so she 

Thought that the best time to strike was now.

 "Sinbad," Bryn asked.

 "Hmm," Sinbad replied snapping out of his trance. 

 "Would you care to dance?"

  "Sure, but I always thought it was the man who asked the woman to 

dance," replied Sinbad.

 "Well after all that I ate I think I need to burn of a few pounds  dancing," Bryn stammered out as an excuse.

  "Yah, I guess I could burn a few pounds too after all that food. Shall we" said Sinbad leading Bryn onto the dance floor.

 'Wow, I can't believe this', Bryn thought. This feels so right, him 

holding me in his arms, it's like a dream come true, and I'll be D@mned if I let anyone ruin this moment for me. But the song came to an end and the dance ended.

 'Time to ask some of those beautiful women to dance, thought Sinbad, 

Maybe I'll even be sharing a bed with them tonight. Sinbad still wouldn't stop his conquests, even after Mala talked to him. He'd gotten to used to them, and they provided him with relief. He didn't want any relationships, relationships meant commitments, and he wouldn't be tied down to one woman. No way, he was the Master of the Seven Seas. So he slept with them, one night stands, and after that he just left. No one gets hurt. Sinbad was working on a beautiful blond woman when the Caliph started hitting his glass again.

   "Now that you've gotten a chance to get some of that energy out, I 

would like to continue that speech that I started earlier. " said the Caliph in a loud voice. " First of all, I would like to thank Captain Sinbad for all the hard work he has done for me and this country. Without your courage and quick thinking as a captain in order to get your crew out of sticky situations, Baghdad might not be the great country it is today, and for that I shall ever be in your debt.   

  "Cheers to Captain Sinbad, the Master of the Seven Seas!" Someone 

yelled. 

  "Yes here, here!" Yelled the Caliph in agreements. Everyone gave a big cheer for Sinbad, as he stood up and bowed. " And to the legendary 

crew, who have risked their lives on many occasions, in order to save others. You have done a great service, and I will be forever grateful. As a reward I'm giving you all 150 dinars each." At that the whole crew began to roar and yell out their thanks. "No, no, it is I who owes you thanks. Here's to the crew of the Nomad, may they live long and prosperous!"

  "Cheers!" Everybody yelled. 

  "Now, to my final toast. The crew of the Nomad have been generous to

dedicate this celebration to another person. A person whom which they 

all agree was a very important member of the crew. Sadly, she isn't here today, she fell over board." The crowd gave a gasp, and as the crew listened there expressions became sad at listening to that terrible event. "but don't worry, she is safe, she was saved by master Dim Dim, and is learning with him right now. Our thoughts are with her. I thought it would be nice if the crew shared a few memories of her with us, so that we can get a better picture of the wonderful person that she was, and always will be." Bryn was about ready to throw up at all of the spew that the Caliph was saying. Sinbad kept a cool emotionless face.  " Who would like to go first?" TheCaliph asked. Doubar stood up, Sinbad glared at him.

  " My most fondest memory of Maeve, was when I first met her on the isle of Dawn." Doubar started. "She walked up to the longboat, tall and proud, just as if she belonged. Mustapha approached her and said, ' don't you know it's bad luck to have women on board,' she came up with the witty comeback, 'it's bad luck to have idiots onboard as well,'" the crowd laughed at that.

  "We then knew she was a fiery one. Mustapha went on, asking her to say something about his mother, for he would never hit a women unless they said something bad about his mother. She said, 'She raised a loud mouthed son.' At that Mustapha brought his hand up, but Maeve was to quick for him. She grabbed it, and flipped him over.  He then said 'welcome  on board ma'm' she laughed, and was officially part of our crew" said Doubar finishing.

  "A splendid memory Doubar," said the Caliph. "Does anyone else have

another?"

 " I do!," said Firouz standing up. Sinbad just about had it with his 

crew. The next thing you know, they would be planing a mutiny. 

 " Actually, it's from Rongar as well. It was when Sinbad was captured by Rumina, and Maeve took over the ship to save him.  We were all sitting in the tavern when Maeve went into this trance. When she woke up she said that Sinbad was in danger, and she needed to take the ship. Doubar said that no woman would take over the Nomad in his lifetime, and he wouldn't stand for it. But Maeve said that if he ever wanted to his brother again, he should do exactly what she told him. So we finally got on the Nomad and sailed into the middle of nowhere, because that was where Maeve said Sinbad would be. That journey seemed like the longest one I had ever been on, with Maeve and Doubar constantly fighting for control over the Nomad, but finally Doubar gave in. And as it turned out, Maeve was right, she led us strait to the island where Sinbad was. She really came through.  When we confronted Rumina, her and Maeve started having a magick fight. Maeve proved that day that Rumina was not all powerful." Everyone started clapping at that.

Sinbad couldn't help but think back to that event, if it wasn't for 

Maeve, Sinbad might have ended up dead, or worse, married to Rumina, ugh. He quickly pushed those thoughts out of his head however. One by one several other members of the crew stood up and shared adventures they had with Maeve, like the time they defeated the Vorgon and Vinchenso. Those two particular adventures caused Sinbad the most trouble. Many crew members also offered toasts, such as, 

  "Cheer's to the lovely and beautiful Maeve, may she one day join us again in all her radiance." This made Bryn face turn green with envy, then red with anger. Finally the Caliph stood up and  said,                    " I see that the best speech is saved for last. Sinbad, I believe that you and her were quite close, I'm sure you have very fond memories of her. Please, share them with us." Sinbad stiffened at that. He put on a fake smile and said, 

  "Well, what more can I say about Maeve that hasn't already been said. She was a important member of my crew, and her fireballs certainly came in handy." Doubar was angry and shocked at what his brother had just said. 

  'Her fireballs came in handy,' was that the best he could say, hasn't he a heart anymore' thought Doubar.  Partially because of what he truly felt inside and partially because of the shocked faces of the crew, Sinbad added,

  " I wish she was here with us"

  "Be careful what you wish for Sinbad, it might come true," said a 

shadowy mysterious voice. At the very moment the voice, which was female, said the word true, all the lights in the room went out, as if they had been blown out in a single breath.

 " What happened to the lights!" 

  "I can't see a thing!" People started yelling. 

  " Stay close to me Caliph," said Sinbad. Light laughter started to echo through the great hall.  Then each candle in the room caught ablaze, one after the other, until all the candles in the room were re-lit. When the last candle was lit, the flame from it seemed to jump out and land in the middle of the hall, in a fiery blaze.

  "By Allah, I've never seen this type of thing before in my life. What 

type of magick is this!" said Sinbad totally taken aback.

  "The powerful kind Sinbad," came a voice from inside the flame. Slowly, a long and well toned leg came out of the flame, followed by the other. It seemed as if the skin and hair of the woman, they knew it was a woman because of the shape, was made purely out of a liquid fire. Finally the woman emerged completely out of the flame, and the fire on her body turned into normal skin, so only her face and hair were made out of fire. She cupped her hands over her face, and slowly pushed them to her ears, revealing her true face as her hands passed over.  She shook her head, as to shake the flame out, and turned it into long golden red tresses.  People gasped and started whispering. The only word that would come out of Sinbad's mouth was,

  "Maeve"

Part 5

 There Maeve stood, in all her glory and radiance. All eyes in the greathall apon her. She wore a tight fitting blood red dress, which was a satiny type of material that went right to her feet.  Kind of in a toga type style, or one of those long virgin dresses. It had two slits on either side ending very high, almost on her waist, revealing her long well toned legs. The dress was held up with two thin straps, and plunged pretty low in a type of circular v shape. From the two straps came a dark red flowing chiffon train which was attached to  thin golden bracelets on either wrist. Her hair was flowing freely behind her, sparkling with a golden red shine. Her lips were the same type of blood red colour as her dress, and she wore dangly gold earrings with blood red stones at the end. A similar stone was attached to the red choker around her neck. She looked stunning.

  "She's breathtaking!"

  "Beautiful!"

  "Gorgeous!"

  "Elegant" Hundreds of comments were whispered between the guests. Bryn, put on a sour face.   

  'She's not that pretty,' Bryn thought, but Bryn was about the only person in the room thinking that. Everyone else was taken aback with Maeve's beauty. Sinbad and the rest of the crew were still in shock.

Sinbad was the first to snap out of it. 

  "Maeve! Is that really you?" He yelled, as he ran up to embrace her, 

but just as he touched her a stinging sensation  spread through his 

fingers, just as if he got burned. As a natural reaction he quickly recoiled his hand away from Maeve, and at the same time she backed away.

  "Don't!" She said comandingly. At Sinbad's, and the rest of the crews

confused and hurt (in Sinbad's case) faces, she continued. " It's an 

effect of using my fire power. I tend to get really hot, physically. Too hot to touch, or else you get burnt. It tends to take me a while to cool down." She said in a softer explanatory voice. Though on the inside she couldn't help but smile a little at Sinbad being burnt. 'That'll teach him for touching me without permission.' 

  At that moment the Caliph came up to her, making sure that he didn't 

Touch her however, and said, " Maeve my dear, it is so good to see you!" I'm so glad you could come!"

  "Well when I heard that you were throwing a banquet in my honor I 

simply had to come. I haven't seen any of you in ages, so I thought I'd make an appearance."

  "And what an appearance. That was quite an entrance! That fire display was something else." exclaimed the Caliph. At this time Firouz stepped up to Maeve and said,

  " Point of fact Maeve, you put my 'fireworks' to shame"

  " Firouz!!" Maeve went up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek, 

since she had cooled down by then. " I can't wait to see all of your 

inventions."

  "Believe me lassie, you can!" said Doubar cutting in.

  " Doubar!" Maeve yelled. Doubar came up to her and gave her a big bear hug.

  " Doubar, I kind of need to breathe, " said Maeve gasping for air.

  " Oh, sorry Maeve, I guess I was letting my emotions get away from me," said Doubar letting go of Maeve.

  " So did you you really mean those things you said about me, how you

immediately took a liking to me, because I stood up for myself?" asked

Maeve.

  " Every single word,.......... but, you knew about that?!!!!!" said 

Doubar in a very surprised tone.

  " Of course. I've been watching." said Maeve.

  " Well I'll be a monkeys uncle!" said Doubar flabbergasted.

  "Wow! Your powers have definitely grown Maeve!" Observed Firouz.

  " Aye Firouz, that they have. I've changed in many ways." said Maeve.

  ' Your beauty is still as unsurpassed as ever,' thought Rongar.

  " Why thank you Rongar," said Maeve to a very surprised Rongar. Maeve

laughed at his bewildered expression. " That's right Rongar, one of my 

new powers is the ability to read peoples thoughts, that is, if they want me too. I would never listen to peoples private thoughts," said Maeve in everyone's head, so that they could all hear. Rongar came up to her and gave her a big hug.

 ' It will be good to have someone to talk to after all this time,' 

thought Rongar. 

 ' After a while of talking to me you'll probably wish didn't," said 

Maeve to Rongar in his head. They both started lightly laughing at that. Maeve went up to Rongar and gave him a big hug.

 ' It's good to have you back Maeve,' thought Rongar seriously.

 'It's good to be back,' she thought back to him.  After they pulled 

apart Maeve said carefully, " Ah, so this must be Bryn," looking strait at the small brunet. " I'm Maeve," she said in a polite, but regal tone, extending her hand. Both women were sizing each other up, though Maeve didn't have to do much sizing, considering Bryn was so short. Bryn excepted her hand and Maeve immediately felt a sensation running through her. Maeve did not like this Bryn at all, a bad vibe emanated from her. Bryn didn't like Maeve either, but for different reasons. She was more jealous of this amazon like sorceress, and her relationship with the crew, but more importantly, Sinbad.

  "Pleased to meet you" said Bryn in her sweetest voice, although she 

didn't mean it. " The crew had told me so much about you."

  " All good things I hope," said Maeve imitating Bryn's false sweetness.

  " Oh yes, many good things indeed," said Bryn getting jealous again. 

'All the things the crew talks about Maeve are good. They never once 

mentioned any bad things she did. It's always, she had a right to do that, or he had it coming to him, never, that was a really bad thing she did. It's like she's perfect or something,' thought Bryn angrily. By now the conversation had switched back to Maeve and Firouz. He was telling her about his latest invention when Dermott came swooping down. Bryn thought he was coming to her, but she was shocked and hurt when he landed on Maeve's outstretched arm. 'That's another thing Maeve has,' thought Bryn bitterly. 

  As soon as Dermott felt his sisters presence, he flew strait to her. 

They were now in the middle of a happy reunion. 

  ' I have missed you so much sister,' Dermott thought to Maeve, while she stroked his feathers lovingly.

  'And I you brother,' responded Maeve in mind voice, as Dermott snuggled his head against her neck affectionately.

  'There were times when I thought I might never see you again. Bryn was there, but she was no substitute for you. I wasn't even sure that you were coming back,' thought Dermott.

  "Don't be silly," thought Maeve to Dermott. " I won't rest until I see myself, that you're back in human form where you belong," stated Maeve firmly.

  "I love you Maeve," thought Dermott.

  "I love you too Dermott," she replied. Everyone in the room was staring at Maeve and Dermott, who looked like they were in deep mind conversation.  No one knew what they were saying, not even Bryn, for she couldn't really talk to Dermott. He just understood what she was saying and dropped simple thoughts into her head. he was the one doing all the work. Finally after a few minutes Dermott flew from Maeve's hand, onto a high window sill with a screech of joy. Maeve lightly laughed at that. The rest of the crew came up and greeted her, asking her questions and saying how nice it was to have her back. There was only one person Maeve hadn't spoke to. Sinbad.***********

   The crowd that had surrounded Maeve slightly parted, letting Sinbad 

Come through. The room seemed to suddenly become quiet, as if it sensed

something very important was happening. Maeve turned around and saw 

Sinbad. When she took a good look at him, she said in her head, 

  ' He has changed.' Sure she'd seen him in her pool before, but when she saw him in person she could truly tell the extent in which he'd changed. She saw his tight fitted clothing, long hair and stubble, but that was all stuff she saw in her pool. Now that he was in person she could see other things about him. Like how his sea blue eyes had become darker, with hate, pain, anger, lust and rage. His face had become harder altogether, as if he were trying to hide his emotions. Lastly, she could feel a dark, not yet black, but certainly not pure white, aura omitting from him. He had definitely changed, and not for the better.

  Sinbad still couldn't believe his eyes. She was actually here! After 

All this time! He looked over Maeve slowly. 

  'By Allah she's beautiful,' he thought. He looked over her, noting that she had also changed. Her hair was longer, it billowed behind her like a short cape. He took in her beautiful dress, how the colour complimented her crimson lips and fiery hair. Maeve hardly ever wore dresses, except for that one that she always wore, but you couldn't really call it a dress.  When she did wear dresses however, they

weren't anything like this one. He remembered that time at Vinchenso's,

when Maeve wore that long dress. As soon as he saw her his jaw dropped 

to the floor along with the food he was holding. This dress was ten times as stunning, and very revealing, with slits going up to her waist, revealing her long creamy legs. The neckline also plunged quite deeply, revealing even more cleavage then she did before. If Sinbad wasn't an 'experienced' sailor, he might have blushed. Then Sinbad's gaze traveled to those luscious red lips again. Oh how he longed to kiss them, letting out all the passion he had in him, into one long and steamy kiss. Finally his gaze moved to her intense velvety brown eyes, the eyes in which he had got lost in so many times. The mystery, beauty, and spark of mischief in them always captivated him. Now however, as he looked into those deep pools, he saw only pain and remorse, along with a wisdom that seemed to be beyond her time. He regained his stance after he noticed that he had just been staring

at her for a few minutes, and cleared his voice and said in his loud 

and stern captain's voice,

  "It's good to see you Maeve," and extended his hand. Maeve looked at it for a moment, took it, then raised an eyebrow and said,

  "Is it now," with a voice with an edge to it. Sinbad was about to ask 

her what she meant by that when the Caliph stepped in.

  "Maeve my dear, I would be honored if you would dance with me," said 

the Caliph regally.

  "I would love to," was Maeve's answer.

  "Strike up the music," ordered the Caliph. The band started playing, 

and the crowd started going back to what they were doing before Maeve 

arrived. Everyone except for Sinbad. He was staring at Maeve and the Caliph gliding across the dance floor. 

  'What did she mean by that?' Sinbad thought back to her double meaning comment. 'Of course I'm happy that she's back, I'm ecstatic!' thought Sinbad. 'But why is she acting so cold to me? Where has she been all this time? What has she been doing? But more importantly, why

did she come back after all this time? Sinbad thought over the possibilities, and when he passed over one in peticular, his heart 

suddenly began to leap. 'Could it be, is there actually hope for us?! Is this our second chance?!!!!!' Sinbad decided that the best way to find out would be to confront Maeve in private. He was going to ask Maeve to dance, when he saw a whole bunch of young attractive men, waiting in line to dance with his Maeve! Obviously he wasn't the only man who's eyes Maeve caught. He started to feel a wave of jealousy wash over him, and he could just imagine his face turning a angry red, then a envious green. 'How dare they try to dance with my Maeve!' He thought angrily. He looked at Maeve again. She was now dancing with a tall, lean and very handsome man with blond hair. She was just laughing lightly at some humorous thing the man had just said. Her laughter caused her fiery ringlets to toss about her head, and her chest to

lightly bounce up and down in her tight low cut dress. The man was 

staring at the latter. Forget about a wave of rage, this was more like a tsunami. Sinbad was about ready to go over to that man and punch his lights out, but then he thought better of it. The Caliph wouldn't be pleased if he started a fight in his great hall in front of all his guests, and Maeve would probably be furious with him, and say that he was just jealous. 'You are jealous!' his brain screamed at him. ' I know that! You know that!' his pride screamed back, ' But I don't want them to know that!' Sinbad thought of the best course of action, then strode up to the couple.

  "Excuse me," said Sinbad tapping on the mans shoulder. "But may I cut 

in." The man was just about to say something, probably ruse, but then he turned around and recognized that it was the legendary Sinbad the Sailor.

  "Of course," the man stammered. "She's all yours." Then he quickly left to blend in with the crowd. Maeve was staring at him furiously.

  "What did you do that for!" Maeve demanded. "We were having fun."

  "He was having a little to much fun," stated Sinbad. Maeve continued

glaring at him. "Maeve, he was staring at your chest," said Sinbad in a

soft tone.

 "When?!!" Maeve exclaimed.

 "Just now when you were laughing," said Sinbad in the same soft tone.

  "Oh," said Maeve rather quietly, as if she were trying to decide on

something. "Then I owe you my thanks." She said regaining her posture.

  "Well, in that case, may I ask you a question?" Asked Sinbad.

  "Go ahead," said Maeve.

 "May I have this dance." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 6

 Maeve looked at his outstretched hand which Sinbad had offered to her. 

Her first impulse was to smack it away. 'How did he notice that Dave was staring at her, if Sinbad hadn't been staring at her himself. And what did he meant when he said 'his Maeve,' she wasn't his to belong to, he didn't own her, no man did.' Maeve had overheard that thought of Sinbad's, how could she not! It was practically shouting from him, and Maeve couldn't help but overhear. 'And it's a good thing I did. I know now that he thinks of me as a possession. I'll show him.' A million nasty things she could do to him ran through her mind, but eventually she decided that none of them were a good idea. The Caliph would probably disapprove of Maeve turning Sinbad into a rotisserie chicken, slowly roasting over a fire, and it would probably take him a long time to get any blood stains out of his exquisite carpets. So Maeve decided that she would 'play nice' and plastered a fake smile on her face.       "I'd be delighted," said Maeve with a hint of sarcasm. She delicately placed her hand in his, and at that moment a flood of memories filled both of there minds.

******Flashes************

Sinbad- There's something I don't like about him

Maeve- He's sensitive, poetic, knows how to treat a women with respect, 

Of course you don't like him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sinbad-Why don't you send your bird out to distract it.

Maeve-Dermott is a hawk, he'll not serve as your personal sitting duck.

Sinbad-Then why don't you cast a spell on it

Maeve-It would take a spell the size of a title wave to get rid of that

thing

Sinbad-Just do it

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sinbad- I love it when you do magic

Maeve-Your welcome

************Back to present*****************

 The memories left as quickly as they had come, and both Maeve and 

Sinbad snapped out of there trance. Both of them brushed it away.  Sinbad led Maeve further into the dance floor, as a new song began to play. Sinbad delicately placed his hand on the small of Maeve's back, and Maeve immediately felt a tingling sensation shoot up her spine. She ignored it. Maeve then lightly placed her hand on Sinbad's shoulder, and Sinbad immediately felt a warmth emanate from that area. He ignored it. As they started swaying to the soft music, a funny feeling started to some over Maeve. She felt kind of light headed, dizzy, and at one point even confused. She looked up, and there was Sinbad's piercing deep blue eyes, she immediately got caught in them. At that moment all of the other thoughts in her head disappeared. The past, the future, all melted away, the present was all that mattered. She was living in the present right now, dancing with an incredibly handsome man, who somewhere deep inside her, she had feelings for.  

  At that same moment, a strange feeling came over Sinbad. He couldn't explain it. First he felt lightheaded , then dazed and confused. He 

Sudden looked up, and was lost in Maeve's penetrating chocolately brown eyes.  All apparent thought rushed out of his head. All the questions that he was going to ask Maeve were forgotten. Nothing mattered, except for what was happening now. Sinbad thought that it was just because he was thinking about Maeve, Maeve thought that it was just that tiny ounce of guilt in her trying to re-surface. Neither of them new how deep the true meaning of it was. It was as if a fog had settled around them. They couldn't see anyone except for each other. Then suddenly another flash of memories filled both of their heads. They had felt this way once before, after Sinbad defeated the Vorgon. All that time they felt as if something had taken control of them, but yet their actions were of their own free will. It was very confusing, but it felt right. Deep within themselves they knew they wantedit to happen. 

*****************Flashes*******************************

Sinbad looked behind him at the people he had just saved. Among them 

Was Maeve. They made eye contact, then Maeve came running up to him and put her arms around him. He hugged her back as if he hadn't seen her for years. They both pulled their heads back, so that they could see each other, and that was when Sinbad pressed his lips on Maeve's. Softly at first, but then all the passion and desire that was pent up inside him exploded, and he let it all out in the one soul searing kiss. The kiss soon became more intense as Maeve responded with equal passion and encouraged him to continue with her mouth. Sinbad crushed Maeve against him as they continued to kiss passionately. Sinbad deepened the kiss by slowly parting her teeth with his tongue, and began to explore the inside of her mouth. Maeve tilted her head

so that Sinbad could go deeper, causing her to let out a very soft moan

which only Sinbad could hear. He smiled against her face, and Maeve ran 

her hands through his hair. This was what both of them had secretly longed for after all this time, and now that they had it, they didn't want the kiss to end. The finally ran out of breath, and reluctantly pulled away from each other and looked into each others eyes. Then the  slow realization that they weren't alone slipped in, and they could hear the giggling from there crew mates. They both suddenly realized what they had actually been doing, and that they had been doing it in front of the whole town. Both of their faces flushed scarlet red, as they both quickly got out of their embrace, so that they were arms length away from each other, and patting each others hands in a gesture of friendship. At the dumbfounded and shocked expressions on their friends faces Doubar, Firouz and Rongar started laughing. Sinbad couldn't take the embarrassment any more, so he quickly left, Maeve followed a little bit after, still speechless.

***************back to present*************

Then the memories suddenly stopped, and the fog that had seemed to 

Surround the two lifted, all of the thoughts which they had forgotten during that time came flooding back, and they realized where they were and who was watching.  It had all happened in a matter of minutes, but to them it seemed as if it had been hours.  The song finally came to an end, and Maeve quickly detached herself from Sinbad and headed to another area, she didn't know what came over her, but she did not want it to happen again. Though something deep inside her said that wasn't true, but Maeve ignored it. Sinbad was getting to close for comfort, and she tried to forget that the whole thing even happened.

  After the dance Sinbad started to feel uncomfortable as well, and was surprised that he needed a little space away from Maeve.

 'What just happened" he asked to himself. He wanted to have another chance with Maeve, but what just happened seemed unreal. Now that he thought about it, he might have just been fantasizing about her. 'No,

those feelings were to strong for a fantasy,' a little voice at the back of his mind shouted, but he just ignored it. 'I was all worked up over dancing with Maeve that my imagination kicked in,' said Sinbad assuringly to himself, for in his mind some of the other possibilities scared him. Little did they know, what the true significant and importance of that moment really was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To Be continued...............................