Ana Ming
stood amid a whirl of colorful people, exotic animals, and
gorgeous goods. Transported to the glories of the Yuan Dynasty
in China, she now soaked in the delights of the capital's
city vast marketplace. In the midst of the din, Ana Ming was
startled to hear a European voice. She turned to take in an
older man wrapped in a traveling cloak."Yes, it would indeed
be an honor to meet Kublai Khan," he was saying to his younger
companion. "However, with our translator gone, we have little
hope of doing business with the great Emperor. And where else
can we hope to find someone who speaks both the language of
Ta-tu and Venice?" He paused and then asked, "Do you have
any ideas, my son?"
Ana Ming
smiled to herself. Thanks to her magical moonstone, she instantly
understood any tongue when she ventured into the past.
She stepped
forward. In the Venetians' language, she said, "Perhaps I
can be of assistance?" The two men stared at her. Plainly
she was no servant or shop assistant. Dressed in an embroidered
turquoise robe of shimmering brocade, with a meticulously
pleated pink underskirt, she was garbed like a lady of the
court. The crowning touches-an elaborate floral hairpiece
and delicate Mongolian shoes-spoke of a woman who had servants
dancing attendance on her every morning.
Once over
their astonishment, the Venetians gladly accepted her offer.
And Ana Ming was glad to make it. Not only would she be helping
these strangers, she was going to meet the famous Kublai Khan!
But one more
surprise awaited. Bowing to Ana Ming, the younger man expressed
his thanks again. "You are too gracious, my lady. You shall ever
have my gratitude. When I return to my country, I shall tell people
how a lovely maiden assisted the humble traveler, Marco Polo."
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Pattern: Akai
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