A Novel Tradition ~ by SaralynArati

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"Mulan will teach you, at least in the weeks before our wedding, and probably after we return from... some quiet time together. Thanks to Yu Lien, she knows tricks that were lost to history hundreds of years ago, not to mention all the moves Chinese nobles are likely to use," Shang volunteered. "And if you're still worried, I can... loan you... the Jade Lotus. You shouldn't need to lose to anyone unless you choose to," added Mulan. "You'd do that?" Khittin asked. "Why not? It likes you."

5 years ago

SaralynArati

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"So we asked for your right to challenge your suitors to a sword fight, and to refuse any who can't disarm you," Mulan finished. Khittin threw her arms around each of them in turn, which took Shang aback somewhat, and then hugged Mulan a second time. Suddenly she fell back, face stricken. "I'm good with a saber, very good, but royal princes must receive tuition in the martial arts, and possibly some of them put in enough attention and practice to become better than I am! What do I do then?"

5 years ago

SaralynArati

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Khittin was happier still when she heard what Shang and Mulan had requested from the Emperor. As a Mongol bride, they had carefully explained, she couldn't honorably bind herself in matrimony to a man whom she didn't respect, and many of the nomadic women were warriors as well. Therefore Princess Khittin and her father the khan, would likely not consider her legally wed to any man, no matter how noble, who couldn't defeat her in battle... not an arena blood sport, obviously, but a judged duel.

5 years ago

SaralynArati

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(cont.) Shang wished to be married as soon as his mother and Mulan's parents could conveniently travel to the Imperial City to be present for the ceremony, and considering their long "almost-engagement", the Emperor had no objections, even if this was skirting near the minimum time that needed to be allotted for planning a royal wedding. The princesses were elated. Mulan's marriage was a major event in their lives, and maybe Khittin would even meet a brother she liked during the festivities.

5 years ago