Racing across the steppe, Altansuk felt nervous.
Would she change her mind?
He was but a poor herdsman.
Cresting the hill, he spied Anujin standing outside her family’s ger, dressed in her wedding deel and headdress. The sun highlighted her radiant smile. His question answered, he brought his steed to a halt in front of her and jumped to the ground. Breaking tradition, he wrapped her in his arms. Making their way to the marriage ger, family and friends gathered. Celebrations ensued with bowls of airag raised. Two families joined, Altansuk and Anujin began their new life together.
~~
This week’s photo prompt reminded me of the inside of a Mongolian ger, which is also known as a yurt. Mongolians are proud and amazing people. Many of them are herders on the beautiful Mongolian steppe. They live a traditional nomadic lifestyle where sheep and goats graze, and camels and horses run wild.
~~
“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. The challenge is to write a story, using only 100 words, in response to a photo prompt. This week’s photo was provided by the lovely Dale Rogerson. It has been a lot of fun to join this fantastic and encouraging group of writers! If you would like to read other Friday Fictioneers’ stories, click here.
I loved the setting
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Thanks, Neil. Mongolia is a beautiful place with lovely people. If you get a chance to go you really should. =)
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I’m glad there were no family issues – I was expecting her mum and dad being unhappy at him being a poor herdsman 🙂
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Yeah, I wanted Altansuk and Anujin to ride off into the sunset for this one. hehe =)
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I absolutely love this take, Brenda! Perfect example of what you see in the picture…
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Thanks so much, Dale. I love the photo, it’s a very interesting one. Where was it taken? =)
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We have a relatively new symphony house in Montreal. Not quite ten years old but I went for the first time last April.
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That sounds so nice, it’s lovely. I’m very behind this week on everything so I just now read your story where you said the place the photo was taken. (hehe) They really do look like crinolin. Very nice tale!! =)
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😀 No worries. I go and check daily to see if there are new stories and there you were! 😉
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So happy you did! =)
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Great story. Brilliant take on the prompt.
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Thank you so much! =)
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Dear Brenda,
I loved the feel of this. So much in a snippet. You set the stage very well. The emotions and love are tangible. Well done. Love the photos, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. I hope you are enjoying your travels and time with your granddaughters. =)
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Fascinating description of a place and a couple with their lives ahead of them. And I love the way Altansuk hugs Anujin before the “appropriate” time. Shows he’s crazy about her, which is lovely.
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Thank you for your comments! I love to imagine Altansuk riding fast to get to Anujin because he’s afraid she changed her mind, only to find she does love him after all. =) I must be in a romantic mood. (hehe) Have a nice week ahead!
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You have a good week too, Brenda! :))
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What a heartwarming tale! Wonderful description of the landscape.
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Thanks so much! =)
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You’re very welcome, Brenda. 🙂
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Wonderful descriptions of place (one that probably few of us have visited). Thank you also for the explanation you gave after and the photos – I could see why you thought of the inside of a ger.
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Thank you so much, Irene. Mongolia is an incredible place to visit if you have the chance. =)
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Passion, humility, tradition, all well represented in 100 words..
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Thank you so much for that. I appreciate your comment. Mongolia is all of those things and more as well. =)
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History of the Khan’s.. have u ever listened to the podcast “Hardcore History”.. he did one series called “Wrath of the Khans” ..
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Thanks so much, I’ll have to listen to that. Sounds interesting! =)
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A delightful love story with a happy ending. How rare!
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Thank you! I was in the mood for a happy ending. =)
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Such a sweet story Brenda and the photo of the bride s lovely too 🙂
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Thank you so much, Dahlia! =)
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Well done. If only it was so simple in our mixed-up world.
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Unfortunately, that is true. Thanks for commenting!
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