Chapter 2: The Journey Begins
The sun had slowly begun to rise over Agrabah and the city was slowly stirring from its slumber. At the palace, Aladdin and Jasmine were preparing for their journey.
"Using Carpet to travel there wouldn't be right, we'd have so much to carry, and it would be quite a load on him," Aladdin said as he and Jasmine walked to the Palace stables.
The day for their journey to begin had arrived. It was planned that Carpet, Abu, and Genie, who had now returned, would accompany Aladdin and Jasmine to visit Cassim.
Jasmine followed Aladdin into the stables to prepare the Arabian horses for the journey. "How are my two favourite love birds EVER!" boomed a loud voice behind them. It was Genie, he had returned from his trip and was now ready to travel with them on this one.
The horses that had been quietly munching hay whinnied loudly in response to Genie's interruption. Jasmine giggled, "Oh Genie, Today's the big day! I can't wait" she said dreamily.
"Princess Jasmine, this is your horse," said a stable hand, who was leading a silvery grey mare up to Jasmine. Jasmine stared in awe at the stunning horse.
The horse stood elegantly in front of her, neck arched majestically and her mane swayed gently like a silver banner. "This is Aamira, her name means princess, so naturally I thought of you, your highness" the stable hand said as he began to tack up Aamira.
Jasmine smiled and went off in search of Aladdin, who seemed to have disappeared. "Jasmine over here!" yelled Aladdin from the far end of the stable.
Jasmine walked over quietly, so not to disturb any horses that had not yet awoken.
"What do you think of this horse for me?" Aladdin asked. She looked at the powerful stallion standing in front of her. His muscles rippled under his sleek body and his black coat shone brightly.
"This is Sadeek, one of Father's favourite horses, but I'm sure he'll let you ride him" Jasmine replied. Aladdin stared admiringly at the horse and proceeded to saddle him. Jasmine left quietly, she wanted to say bye to her father before they left.
"Jasmine, I'm just not sure that it is safe, are you sure you sure you don't want some of the palace guards to accompany you" the Sultan said worriedly.
"Really Father, It's not like that, besides, I'm with Aladdin, and he's all the protection I'll ever need" she said.
The Sultan paced around the throne room, "Alright Jasmine, I understand" he said slowly. A smile spread over Jasmine's face as she hugged her Father in joy.
"I'm telling you it goes the other way!" squawked Iago. They were sitting around in the royal pet chambers and had been wrapping turbans around each other's head before the journey.Abu shrieked in disagreement as he completely unravelled the silk he'd been wrapping around Iago's head.
"Sheesh! The palace shepherd could wrap a turban better than you!" said Iago. Abu stuck his tongue out and turned away. Just at that moment Aladdin entered.
"Come on you two, the horses are ready and Genie… well…he's getting impatient" said Aladdin as he turned around to the marble pillars where Genie was zipping around frantically. Abu and Iago's sour mood disappeared as they headed outside to leave.
Jasmine had gone to her chambers. She had changed into pink harem pants and off shoulder pink choli. She thought intently of the travelling that would follow over the next week or so. Looking at the emerald flower sitting on her vanity that Aladdin had given her, she about how lucky she was to have found him.
"Princess…I hate to interrupt your day dreaming, but we are about to leave" chimed a voice behind her. Jasmine placed her jewelled headband upon her hair and turned around. Genie was hovering in front of her.
She looked at Genie and did her best not to laugh, he had turned a bright shade of crimson and looked like he would soon explode. "Why Genie! What's wrong?" She said.
"Sun burn on the Nile, not good!" he said as he reverted back to his original shade of blue, but in an instant turned red again. "Well," said Jasmine as she brushed her hair one final time, "I'm ready to go".
Aladdin and Jasmine were outside the palace gates and had mounted their horses and ready to leave. Abu, Iago and Genie (who now turned from crimson to a blushing pink) were seated upon Carpet.
"Have a safe journey," the Sultan said solemnly "And you, Aladdin…" Aladdin looked down at the Sultan from the back of Sadeek. "Yes, Your Highness?" said Aladdin. The Sultan exhaled deeply "Take…good care of her".
Aladdin smiled loyally. "Don't worry Your Highness, you can count on that" he said as he dismounted to bow to the Sultan.
"I believe you will" The Sultan agreed.
Jasmine smiled at her Father and Aladdin and dismounted to give her Father one last hug.
"I…hate to interrupt all this mushy stuff, but could we get going before Genie here, cries on the rug again?" said Iago.
Genie looked up "I'm not crying, but…ok I am, its just seeing you all again and the family and emotion and---"
"Enough! Aladdin can we just get going" begged Iago.
Aladdin, Sultan and Jasmine burst into laughter. "He's right though, we better get going if we want to reach the Abia Desert by sunset" said Aladdin seriously.
He looked at Jasmine, he could see the excitement building in her eyes.
They mounted and trotted out the palace gates, "Well it's our way from here" said Aladdin. "Its going to be brilliant!" said Jasmine.
"Let's just start!" Iago said bluntly, and that marked the start of their journey.