A Walk around the Town and Lessons
L.A.: Well, at least this time I got it out in a week instead of several weeks later. I hope you enjoy it!
Anna had to admit, the streets of Agrabah were kind of fun when she wasn't running from a crazed merchant.
It was still hot and smelled of spices and incense but the wares of all the different merchants were fascinating. Items ranged from fruits and knickknacks to pottery and jewelry.
Of course, since Anna and Lizzie had no money, they couldn't allow themselves to become attached to anything.
Jasmine had offered to buy them each something, but they had both declined. They already felt they were freeloading enough as it was.
Anna was actually surprised that Jasmine was even safe outside of the palace. She was almost positive that someone would recognize the princess then either try to kidnap her or steal her money.
As they walked through the streets, no one recognized her. Either they didn't notice or they had never seen the princess up close. Anna just chalked it up to another one of Disney's strange magic.
"Would you look at this," Jasmine said as she examined a nearby display. "They're hair combs."
Lizzie and Anna peered down as well. The hair combs were pretty. They had little flowers made out of sea shells and had a slight arch on the top. Small thin prongs stuck out from the bottom perfect for holding up hair securely.
"The combs are very rare," the merchant said as he puffed his chest up in pride. "They come from the distant ocean."
"They sure are pretty," Lizzie said.
Jasmine grinned. "I agree." She grabbed a purple, blue, and pink one. "I'd like to buy these three for us."
"What?" Anna said as Lizzie looked on in surprise. "Don't do that Jasmine. We don't know when we can pay you back."
"Don't worry," Jasmine said as she paid the merchant. "I don't mind. Besides, before you, I never really had any friends who were girls." She handed them each a hair comb. "So, it's kind of fun to shop with you two."
Anna hadn't even thought of that. Jasmine spent most of her life in the palace with only her father and Rajah as friends. Then the adventures with Aladdin began; but, even so, it was still just her with a bunch of men. It was probably a refreshing change to finally have someone who will actually be interested in dresses and other girly topics.
"Thanks," both girls said as they slipped their hair combs in their hair.
That night, Anna was prepared when Carpet jostled her awake. She nodded as she crept out of bed. She grabbed a couple of pastries that she saved from earlier and met Carpet out in the courtyard.
"Okay," Anna said as she found a comfortable place to sit down. " I guess you're ready for your talking lesson, now."
Carpet nodded his head eagerly.
"Just let me eat a little first," Anna said as she laid the pastries out on a napkin in front of her. "The sugar will help wake me up." As she took a bite, she saw Carpet's puzzled look. "What?"
"Why do you do that?" Carpet signed.
"Eat?" Anna said. "Because I need it for energy and it tastes good."
The puzzled look remained on his face.
"Would you…like to try some?" Anna asked slowly as she held up a piece of the pastry.
Carpet eyed the piece for a moment before nodding and taking it. He put it in his mouth and stared at her expectantly.
"You need to chew," Anna said. She mashed her teeth together. "Like this."
Carpet started chewing. He looked shocked all the sudden as if he wasn't sure what to make of it.
"Okay," Anna said. "Now stop chewing and swallow." She pointed to her throat and pantomimed swallowing.
Carpet mimicked her.
"What did you think?" Anna asked, amused at Carpet.
"It tasted...happy?" Carpet signed.
"It's sweet," Anna said. "There are other flavors too. I'll have to see if I can get you some different ones next time."
"Where did it go?" Carpet signed as he motioned to the pastry.
"Inside you. In your stomach," Anna said.
Carpet's eyes widened. "What's a stomach? Is it inside me? Is it dangerous?"
"No, it's not dangerous," she said. Realizing that there was no point trying to explain to Carpet what a stomach was in his present state, she quickly added. "You know what? Don't worry about it. Let's focus on teaching you how to talk instead."
He nodded but still seemed concern about the idea of a stomach.
"Okay, so talking," Anna said. "It results when you push air past your vocal chords. When it passes, it causes them to vibrate." She grinned as she continued. "You know, it's kind of like when you're flying. When you flap your tassels in the wind depending on how fast or slow you're flapping, you can make different sounds. It also changes depending on how fast or slow you're flying."
Carpet nodded. Flying was one thing he did understand.
"Imagine that feeling," Anna said as she motioned to her chest. "Push the air up through your lungs and out your mouth. When you do, try to force sound out as well."
Carpet filled up his lungs with air. He opened his mouth and exhaled. No sound came out.
"Um, okay," Anna said as she scratched her head. "Try to imagine tassels in your throat?" She said as her mind scrambled around for another example. "Flapping?" How can I really describe talking to someone who's never made a sound in his life?
He looked at her with a blank expression before trying again. Still nothing. Disappointed, he cast his gaze to the ground.
"Er…" Anna sighed. This is so hard, she thought. "Now take in a huge amount of air and then forcing out really quickly."
Carpet looked skeptical but he did as he was told. As he exhaled, a slight squeak came out of him. He jumped, surprised that the sound had actually came from him.
"Well," Anna said with a laugh. "At least it is a start."
They continued for a couple of hours. The only thing they accomplished was that Carpet could now make unintelligible noises.
"Okay," Anna said as she noticed the sky lightening. "Let's pick back up tomorrow. I need to at least get some sleep tonight."
Carpet nodded and Anna noticed he seemed slightly disheartened.
"Don't worry," Anna said. "These things can take time." I hope he learns soon though, Anna thought. I don't know if I can stand another night of squeaking.
L.A.: Seems like Anna has gotten more that she bargained for. Well, you know what to do. READ and REVIEW!
