Jason sighed with a playful roll of his eyes, and glanced at the horses, "Buck, do you want to be my horse permanently?", and Buck neighed happily, nodding, and nickered with a gesture of his head to Khan, and Jason nodded, "Yes, you're coming along with Khan to war, but you'd have to listen to all of us to learn how to be a war horse basically, clear?".
Buck nodded, prancing and neighing, and Mulan giggled, "Looks like that's not gonna pull him down. He's gonna be determined.", and Khan snorted lightly with a look, 'You're telling me'.
Jason smiled, and went to check his satchel and backpack, heading to the stablemaster to talk a deal and all. After some minutes, Jason returned with a wide grin, "It's official, all on paper and all. You're my horse now, Buck.". Buck nickered happily with a hop in his legs.
Mulan laughed, "Let's eat lunch before it goes cold, and saddle the lovebirds up for the trip.", and Jason nodded, and went to eat the lunch he and Mulan brought from the castle between saddling up the horses, and in good time, they are all ready to set out.
Jason asked Mulan, "So, what is this halfway place?", and Mulan smiled, "You'd have to see for yourself, but I can tell you that it's my dream place to settle down as it's perfectly located between my village and Cair Paravel in three hours each way.", with a blush.
"Three hours by horse?", Jason asked. "Is there any other way?", Mulan looked at him before he nodded, "Well, I... never mind. When I come from, we've got things that move on the ground faster than horses.".
Mulan blinked at him, "Really? What about the Martags or portals or the ship?". Jason shook his head thoughtfully, "Well, similar, yes, to the Martags and the ship, but we don't have portals. The wagons/carriages with the horses are mostly compared to the vehicles from my realm, but faster.".
Mulan nodded, "Ah, that sounds nice, but I'd prefer not missing out on the scenery as much as possible, and even if one day, I have a dragon form like you, I'd probably fly for long distances than a day.".
"It's certainly tempting... true freedom and all.", Jason nodded. The two of them slowly got the horses to begin moving as Khan pretty much knew the way. "But, about the place we're going first... you certain you can't at least give me a hint?".
Mulan smiled softly, "Well, I can say that it's an apple orchard farm. I was friends with the owner myself...He was a widower, elderly, and I used to listen to his stories. He had daughters, never sons, and when the war first approached, he volunteered to be one of the scribe messengers. One year later, he was killed for saving a stable boy..I never knew that he has leased the place to me in his will, saying that within five years of selling apples and such, it would then be officially mine...".
"Wow... interesting tale. I would've made more friends with older people if I knew they'd leave me such vast stuff.", Jason joked as Buck bucked him nearly off. "Kidding, kidding!", he shouted as Mulan rolled her eyes.
"I was surprised myself, but once you see it, Jason, you'll know why I just want to spend the rest of my days in peace there.", Mulan said softly.
Jason smiled softly, and reached out to squeeze her hand, "I'm sure I will. I know you, Mulan, it couldn't just be an ordinary apple orchard farm, right?".
Mulan giggled, "The gardens are special as well, but there's something else you'll love.", and Jason chuckled, "I can't wait.".
They gradually enjoyed the scenery and had companionable silence between conversations in the next three hours, and then they made it to a fork in the path, and Mulan smiled, "This way.", turning into the other path, and Jason followed, approaching a row of cottonwood trees, and there, up ahead, stands a Chinese-European style sign, with the name, 'Emperor Orchard Sanctuary'.
Jason walked under it, seeing numerous fields of apple trees on one side of the open pastures, and the other side of the path, is a huge pasture field with flowers, and Mulan smiled, "The apple types are Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Fuji. The pasture field used to be full of horses, but with Hu Dao's death, the horses were sold off to be war horses or such. Khan himself was born here.", patting Khan with a smile, and Khan neighed warmly.
"Can't imagine a more perfect place to be born... such a pure and unspoiled sight.", Jason said as he looked with awe. "I'm glad that the war never came here... to see all this gone...", Mulan pained at the thought of it.
Jason leaned over to kiss Mulan on the lips softly, "Hey, don't think like that, Mulan. This is a wonderful place.", and Mulan smiled gratefully, urged Khan on, "We'll put Khan and Buck in the pasture. They'd appreciate a break.".
Jason nodded with a smile, "Okay.", and continued to follow Mulan as he urged Buck on, and as they exited the corridor path, Jason gasped in amazement to see a beautiful two-story country cottage with a stable wing, cream with teal accents, and the path rings around to the entrance, with a simple, well-crafted fountain in the center.
He can see overgrown gardens off to the sides of the cottage, and perhaps in the back as well, and in the backdrop of it all is a forest with white cliff hills glimpsed through the tops of the forest.
"That's certainly a hell of a sight.", Jason said as he followed Mulan, "Perfect place to retire.".
"That's the idea...", Mulan chuckled as she continued to lead him on. Mulan and Jason went to the pasture fence gate, and after freeing the horses of the saddles and such, they released Buck and Khan into the pasture, whinnying and neighing as they frolicked and raced across the grass.
Mulan chuckled, "I usually spent at least 30 minutes to an hour here, having a snack and a story from Dao, but now, it's more of 30 minutes, due to being needed by Mickey in Cair Paravel or requested of a visit by my parents in the village.".
Jason nodded, "I understand...Still, this is incredible...How many bedrooms?", and Mulan smiled, "Three bedrooms, and the two bathrooms run on magic, along with the kitchen, for Dao was a magician and built this place long ago with his wife about 50 years ago...".
Jason whistled, "Impressive, and he chose to go simple...I really love the appeal of it...You are keeping the outside?", and Mulan nodded, "The colors are perfect, but the inside was suited for Dao's preferences, and it was nice, but I want to change the inside, and of course, update the ward magic for the kitchen and bathrooms.".
"Well, at least we know a few friends that can help with that for sure.", Jason said as he kept looking around. "Place certainly is cozy for a small family for sure...", he smirked at her direction as she started to rub her belly.
"We'll just have to see, but I hope you're right about that... about a family and all.", Mulan blushed with a smile.
Jason smiled, "So, where is this surprise I am supposed to love?", and Mulan giggled softly, "It's in the forest behind the house.", reaching out to hold his hand, and she took him, walking on past the house, through the backyard garden, along with an ancient pit fire, and upon a trail that's slightly been overgrown.
They walked for five minutes on the trail, and Mulan smiled as she recognized a landmark, and turned into a tunnel-like path, and saw the weeping Spanish Moss covering the entrance, seeing that it hadn't been disturbed at all, much to her joy. She then glanced at Jason, "Okay, close your eyes. I will guide you through.".
Jason obeyed, closing his eyes, and Mulan took his hand, walking backwards, steady, and with a nudge of the Spanish Moss out of the way, Jason felt sunshine on his face, hearing now the thrum of water, and can smell so many flowers.
Mulan let go as she stopped Jason, and moved out of his way, and smirked to herself as she replied, "Okay, open them.", and Jason opened his eyes, gasping as right before him, is a serene, crystal blue lagoon with a waterfall coming down the magnificent white cliffs which is remarkably similar to the White Cliffs of Dover, and the wildflowers bordering the trees of the lagoon and around the base of the cliffs.
'Wow...", Jason whispered as Mulan chuckled. "You like it?", she asked curiously.
"Like it? I love it... this place is so perfect, Mulan...", Jason said as he turned around and wrapped his arms around her before taking her in for a kiss.
Mulan relished into the kiss, sighing contentedly, before smirking, "If you love this lagoon, you'll love it more when I will show you what lies behind the waterfall.", pulling away with a purr, "That is, if you don't mind going skinny dipping.", with a little coy smile.
"Why you naughty little…", Jason laughed as he kissed her once more. "But… I can't believe I'm saying this, but today might not be the best day…".
"How so?". It then hit Mulan. "Oh right… if we do this… then it might be too late for us to travel to the village.".
Jason nodded, "Yep. And I'd rather not miss the first dinner with your folks...", with a sheepish grin, before rubbing her shoulders, "But we can stop here again tomorrow in the morning.", with a playful raised eyebrow.
Mulan chuckled, "Wise as always, Jason...But I wouldn't mind another dance.", with a smile. Jason smiled softly, hearing the music in the waterfall, the breeze, the birds in the distance, "That, I can do.", before bowing, "May I have this dance, Fa Mulan?".
The two of them gently enjoyed the moment as they slow danced with the waterfall behind them. If there was a camera, the moment would have been picture perfect.
After five minutes of slow-dancing, Jason and Mulan smiled at each other, and Mulan sighed happily, "You're a wonderful dancer, my love.".
Jason smiled, "I try to be, my blossom flower. And since your parents probably has rules about me sleeping over and all, here's a sneak peek of tomorrow.", before lifting Mulan up in his arms, and deep-tongued Mulan in a long, intimate kiss.
The two of them stayed like that for a moment before they finally broke for air. "I certainly look forward to that then, Jason.", Mulan chuckled.
Jason smiled wryly, letting Mulan down to the ground, "Glad to know it. And are we keeping the name of the place?", and Mulan smiled, "Yes, it's the least I can do to honor Dao. Now, let's head out and saddle up the horses.".
The two of them quickly returned to Buck and Khan before they started on the road once more to the village.
"I have to say, I was so worried about home so much for the past few years... the fact that Scar and Frollo's forces were so close to it at times... even stopped an attack or two coming its way. Or at least it would've been in the path of battle.", Mulan reminisced as they rode.
"It hurts much when war comes home. Hard to fight there at times when so much you grew up and saw in, it turns into a battlefield.", Jason sighed. "We'd been spared from that with our home in a way, but still...".
Mulan leaned over, and squeezed his hand, comforting him, "All of this, it will be free once we end the war, Jason.", and Jason smiled softly, "Yes, you're right, Mulan.".
Mulan nodded, "Good. Now, as my parents are the owners of my old house, after you introduce yourself properly with a bow of your head, you must let them speak first in every conversation from then on. It's a sign of respect. And with dinner, you must let them sit first, and escort me to my seat before seating yourself. Their names are Fa Zhou and Fa Li.".
"Right... I'll try to keep that in mind and not screw it all up.", Jason said. "I just hope they'll be alright with me...".
"Jason, you have nothing to fear with them, they'll love you especially with what you have helped in. In fact, saving me might do more to put you in their good graces.", Mulan smiled. "Just don't bring up the fact that we have had sex already.", Jason gave a small chuckle.
Mulan blushed softly, "Definitely not, my love. But they know that I am not the same like them. They would only wish to see me getting married and all.", and Jason frowned lightly, "How long does a courtship usually last in your family's culture?".
Mulan smiles, "It depends on every family, but if I know them, they will say that the courtship should last for six months for the number of six means 'everything will go smoothly.'".
"Well, usually, where I come from; there's almost never a guarantee that things will go smoothly with marriage and all, but I feel that it's the case with us... same with all the rest of the team and those they've linked with.", Jason said.
Mulan chuckled softly, "Indeed. Emma and Silver have children, is married, and Adam and Pippa have courted for perhaps 10, 11 months, is engaged, and Logan and Jasmine had courted for perhaps 8 months before getting married, and for Haku and Pocahontas, if I heard right, they barely started for almost a week now between being separated and all. And Zuri, Eric, and Ariel technically spent three months of courtship in Zuri's mindscape before getting married.".
Jason nodded, "Yes, it's a mix all around on timing, but I can say that true love is within all of us. After all, I wouldn't imagine a life without you now, Mulan.".
"The same could be said from my end too, Jason.", Mulan leaned over to kiss him and almost fell off Khan if not for the horse moving closer as well.
Khan and Buck nickered, nuzzling each other, burring, and after returning the kiss, Jason chuckled, "I think the boys has the same idea. They ain't imagining a life without each other either.".
Mulan giggled, "Couldn't blame them.", ruffling Khan's mane softly, smiling softly, and Jason asked, "Do they know that we're coming?". Mulan smiled softly, "Mickey had the decency to send a message by bird. The village knows practically that we're coming.".
"Oh, boy...", Jason sighed as he was worried about the whole village going nuts about his arrival and all with both what he had done with the Talons as well as his connection to Mulan. He was honestly thinking of some crazy humorous party Disney number with a touch of the town's excitement to the sheriff arriving in Blazing Saddles. Though the humor of that scene probably wasn't going to happen.
Mulan patted his hand reassuringly, "It's gonna be okay.", with a smile, and Jason nodded, "Yeah, yeah, I hope so.", with a brave, slightly anxious smile.
With Khan and Buck seemingly faster this time, they made it to the village within an hour before sunset, and a gong drum was heard from the watchtower as they entered the outskirts of the village. Windows opened, people peeked out of doors, children exiting alleys, and carts slowed down.
The people cheered, "Fa Mulan is back! Mulan! Fa Mulan!", clapping and waving handkerchiefs as Mulan and Jason sprinted steadily through the village, and he can see people murmuring in whispers and gossip when they saw him next to Mulan.
He realized that his name, his presence is known already...Mulan gave him a warm, encouraging smile, and Jason nodded, returning the smile. Within five minutes, they made it to the Fa house and farm.
Jason gulped nervously as he got off Buck, and helped Mulan off Khan with a hand, and Mulan whispered, "Relax, my love. You got this.", and Jason nodded, taking a deep breath as they saw the gate doors open.
"You say that...", Jason whispered under his breath as the gates fully opened... and no one was there. "Uh, do you get an automated gate or something?".
"Something like that... we've got to go to the home itself.", Mulan smirked. Jason nodded and took the reins of Buck as Mulan took the reins of Khan, and as the gates closed after their entrance, Mulan took Khan to the water trough, releasing the halter and reins, with Jason doing the same with Buck.
Mulan smiled, "They'd be fine with the saddles on for now.", taking his hand, "You ready?", with a smile. Jason smiled weakly, "As ready as I'll ever be.", and followed Mulan to the main house.
Jason knew that in the movie, there was a main house, a private training house, and the stables, and it looked similar here as well, just from the fact that the temple is not there. Perhaps because of being in Narnia instead, it's different in following Aslan and such.
Jason was a bit disappointed that wasn't the case here... at least none of the dragon statues for Mushu to pretend to be at one moment. The two of them eventually reached the front of the door before Jason knocked. Eventually, the door opened to reveal her father, looking somewhat like his animated version though obviously a real life human.
Fa Zhou gave a genuine smile, his eyes glittering in joy and happiness as he saw his daughter, and then saw Jason, raising an eyebrow.
Jason bowed his head, "Fa Zhou, I am Jason Valkara, and I am a member of the United Talons. I have returned your daughter, Fa Mulan, to your home, and I am honored to be here in your presence, sir.".