A Cold Wind off the Desert ~ by SaralynArati

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Thanks very much, Lexia!! Yes, you're quite astute; more so than Yu Lien herself, who has no experience with this sort of thing to reference. I wanted to show that Mulan and Shang have forgiven each other, despite not having said anything formally in words. :)

5 years ago

DysMalLexia

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Yes as I thought Yu Lien is started to getting a little attached to Prince Rouran! Also that Mulan and Shang manage to steal a moment for themselves despite the journey and the danger ahead! Loving Mulan's travel clothes!

5 years ago

SaralynArati

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"Still, I refuse to be frightened of an ill wind," Fa Mulan declared, and in a defiant mood, marched out of her tent and northwest up a slight incline, into the teeth of the gusts. She did, however, take her sword. It was a good thing that Shang had seen her leave, since Mulan was beginning to shiver, as she rarely had in the snowy mountains, by the time she crested the hill. He unfastened his cloak and draped it around her without a word. She snuggled into it, and leaned back against him.

5 years ago

SaralynArati

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In this case, the sword spirit was both comforting and alarming. Yu Lien confirmed that Mulan wasn't imagining things; this gusting wind was malignant... unwelcoming at best, to daunt her and prevent her from proceeding, and prying at worst, to spy on her and detect weaknesses that could be used against her. "Please don't do anything hasty," advised Yu Lien. "Such sendings require considerable magical power, and the person behind this one is definitely your enemy." "Already?" Mulan sighed.

5 years ago

SaralynArati

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That night the weather shifted, as though the Great Wall had somehow sheltered them in balmy spring. Now, though, a cold wind swept down off the desert plateau of the Gobi, insinuating chilly fingers into every cranny and crevice. Mulan could not shake the feeling that this wind was a hostile force, and that it bore her malice, specifically. She told herself a dozen times that she was merely being fanciful because she was less than elated by her coming wedding, and then confided in Yu Lien.

5 years ago

SaralynArati

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(cont.) It was during one of these evenings that Prince Rouran presented Mulan with the traditional betrothal gift of his royal family: a bracelet and earrings of ancient jade. The set was very beautiful, and there was no way for Mulan to refuse. On the next day, the travelers passed beyond the Great Wall. For the briefest instant, Mulan considered balking, refusing to leave her homeland. Everything from now on would be novel and strange to her. Yet she wasn't tempted to hang from her sash.

5 years ago