They trudged forward in the desolate forest, being long, hard days since their quest to find someone or something to bring Phillip back. Mulan, who was always leading, occasionally looked back to see if Aurora was still close by. Mulan has noticed the past days have been especially hard on Aurora, she was drained and weak from the constant traveling between towns, forests, and deserts. Mulan glanced up at the sun, knowing it was going to be sundown soon decided to build camp for now. Aurora immediately sat on the ground, obviously tired from the day's adventure. Mulan studied Aurora's face, noticing the sunset giving way to her soft features, the traces of her jaw line to her deep sea blue eyes. She looked so beautiful to Mulan, but she began to look away knowing those thoughts could never linger too long. "Do you want to start the fire? or should do it this time?" Mulan asked, giving a small smile, taking out flint from her pouch. Aurora's face lit up, "Yes!" eagerly taking the flint from her, she liked to feel useful anytime Mulan suggested a task. As Aurora got a fire going Mulan was already done setting up a small tent with food already caught and skinned. Aurora sat near the fire, shivering, she pulled her thin shall around her shoulders trying to keep the warmth from escaping her body. Mulan just noticing the cold, stiff breeze that was blowing, came over to Aurora to sit next to her, knowing her own body heat will help her Princess from freezing. "Mulan...?"
"Yes Princess?" Mulan could feel Aurora's eyes on her, but she kept her stare on the flames that danced around in perpetual motion.
"Do you think this "Healer" will really have the final solution for Phillip?" Aurora's voice stammered a bit when she talked of Phillip. Mulan tried to dodge questions like this, she didn't like to be put in the position of talking about Phillip. She has heard of this "Healer" to be an extraordinary being who successfully make cures for death, even brought loved ones back to life.
"I know he can help us. I remember hearing stories about him when I came back from War, those who died in the war were brought back to life. I don't know how he does it, or what he does, but I know he will bring Phillip back." Aurora's eyes lit up like never before, her excitement was clearly bursting at the seams. Mulan shifted a little, uncomfortable about the situation. She knew she was being selfish, to think of herself before Phillip, and how her emotions swam for Aurora's comfort; her love. Aurora saw Mulan's crestfallen countenance and immediately stopped her smiles. She wondered what has changed her Warrior's emotions. "Mulan...?"
"Yes Princess?" Mulan finally looked up toward Aurora's gleaming sea blue eyes. The fire's light exposed the gleam and utter perfection of Aurora, her bare beauty. "I'm glad you're here, with me." Aurora gave a genuine statement, smiling in the process. Mulan's lips quivered from the confession, she was completely set off guard from her words. "So am I..." Mulan formed a small smile and began to distract herself with the fire. Aurora kept her eyes on Mulan, even with her stoic attitude and appearance, she was alluring in the fire's presence. Her deep brown eyes showed intimidation, yet were gentle and affectionate. Aurora gazed at Mulan's countenance, wondering what her Warrior thought of, or what her Warrior was enduring at the moment. Mulan felt Aurora's gaze and looked toward her, Aurora's face colored and she flinched away trying to distract herself with the hem of her dress. Mulan couldn't help but smile at how Aurora was easily embarrassed from her actions. Finally, Mulan broke the silence, "you should get some rest, Princess." Aurora looked around to inspect the area, noticing it was already dark from their awkward moments in silence. "But, I'm not tired..." Aurora tried to protest, but her tired eyes said otherwise. "You must sleep, You're tired from our weary travels, Princess."
"I told you, you don't have to call me Princess. It sounds like I'm A pompous child." Mulan didn't mean to offend Aurora in any way, if only she knew that calling her Princess made her heart flutter, that she wasn't any Princess, she was her/ Princess, Hers to defend, honor and love. Mulan sighed in defeat, knowing her emotions would get the better of her, "If you're tired, you can stay awake."
"why don't you sleep?" Aurora suggested genuinely caring for Mulan's wellbeing. She knew Mulan stayed up most nights patrolling the area, scouting for any danger while Aurora slept, lonely sitting at the fire's edge waiting until it was safe to sleep. She saw the deep, dark circles that outlined her intense eyes, the tired eyes that protected Aurora from danger. "I cannot do that, I must stay awake for your safety." Mulan protested even at the slight thought of sleep for herself. "But, you're always up. I can see you haven't rested well these days..." Aurora's somber words faded as she spoke softer, showing her concern for Mulan. Mulan glanced around making sure it was safe, showing Aurora that she wasn't going to sleep. Aurora slightly shook her head at Mulan's naive nature.