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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 3:11:11 GMT
Post by Zhao Yun on Jun 29, 2010 3:11:11 GMT
Zhao Yun looked around at the finely decorated interior of the palace. Moving quickly through the area were a myriad of attendants and officials, all present to welcome Zilong. A feeling of great respect washed over him, a mix between the feeling of gratitude toward his hosts but also respect for the two themselves. All three had met years prior and it seemed fate had brought them back together.
Candles were flickering around the perimeter of the palace, but also on the great banquet table. Upon the table were great trophy beasts, a multitude of vegetables, bread, fruit, and of course wine….lots of wine. The festivities were fit for a king and that was exactly how Zilong felt at that moment.
He took a bite of some delicious chicken and sipped from his cup of wine. Across the table, the great Guan Yu sat and he enjoyed the feast as well. He tried hard, of course, to keep any particles of food falling into his glorious beard. With so much hair, many things would get lost in there.
Zhao Yun nodded to Yunchang and held his cup up before taking another sip. He was actually beginning to feel quite ‘good’.
“I speak so highly of you, Xuande, because you have proven yourself to be a worthy hero to compete with the others across the land.”
A beautiful maiden walked past, with wine of course, and Zilong could not help but take a quick look at her ‘features’. He held out his cup for more wine and continued on with his conversation.
“What I know or feel about the current Emperor does not matter. If you believe in him then so shall I.”
Zhao Yun got up from his seat quickly, almost too quickly, and then kneeled in front of Liu Bei.
“It would be an honor to serve you, Xuande. I will stand by your side and together we shall bring this world to peace again. My spear, my life, and that of my men, are yours to command.”
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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 4:02:34 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 29, 2010 4:02:34 GMT
Guan Yu had devoured his meal while Liu Bei and Zhao Yun were emptying their souls of their intentions. The bearded man hadn't eaten since the previous day. He downed a couple of goblets of wine. Then fearing he could mes things up if he drank too much, stopped.
Sitting solemnly on his mat Guan sat observing, watching the dinner unfold. He and Dong Ping were having an idle chat, Dong was saying "So General, how many Yuans does it take to become Emperor...?" When Guan noticed Zilong step before his mat and kneel before Liu Bei, Guan cut Dong Ping off and watched the events unfold, stroking his grand beard, listening intently.
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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 21:34:10 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jun 29, 2010 21:34:10 GMT
Liu Bei was not one for showing his emotions very often, but this moment had brought so much joy that tears began to well up in his eyes. As soon as Zhao Yun had knelt down, and said what he said, Xuande hastened to kneel, and grasping the hands of Zilong, brought him to his feet and said,
"Zilong, I would be most honoured."
Wiping the tears from his eyes, he said with a big smile,
"Bring one of the robes of Sichuan silk from the vault, I wish to honour an old friend for his past deeds"
With the order, servants hastened to the vaults of Yong An, and selecting a fine robe, two of them carried it to the dining chamber so as not to get it dirty. They then placed it on Zhao Yun's shoulders, the two girls then bowed down in front of him.
Liu Bei remained standing, and watched. Once the robe was brought out, and placed on Zilong, he looked to Guan Yu and Dong Ping, motioning that they should stand as well. Picking up the fine wine cup, the servants came and filled it to the brim. Liu Bei was about to make a toast.
"All these years, I had thought my friend Zilong had retired from the world, at first I could not believe it. But then as the years went on, gradually I started to think it. But now my friend has returned, and it has brought great joy to my heart."
He paused, and looked around the room at each of the faces that were present. All of them serving him, but also all of them were his friends. He raised the cup and then said,
"To friendship."
Downing all the wine in one gulp, he placed the cup back on the table. The main course had been cleared, and now was when the real festivities would begin. Clapping his hands together once, singing and dancing girls emerged to provide the night's entertainment.
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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 23:41:20 GMT
Post by Zhao Yun on Jun 29, 2010 23:41:20 GMT
Zhao Yun was speechless as the famed Liu Bei shed tears of joy. It was due to his arrival in Shu and that made him feel great, made him feel wanted. Liu Bei cared not so much for Zilong's incredible prowess in combat, but rather his friendship and respect.
Shimazu may have been good with words, like a refined politician, but Zilong believed now, more than ever, that the man was wrong.
"My lord" he said, receiving the finely crafted robe. He stayed kneeled a moment later and then arose to his feet.
Dancers and singers began to move into position. Guan Yu was standing as well, welcoming his former friend and new Shu officer.
Zhao Yun took hold of his cup, now with more fresh wine within it. He lifted it to meet Xuande's cup as well as Yunchang's and they toasted to friendship.
"To friendship!"
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Palace
Jun 29, 2010 23:47:50 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jun 29, 2010 23:47:50 GMT
Standing in response to their lord the entire assembly including Zhang Qin, Dong Ping and Wu Yong stood and took up their goblets, prepared to toast Zhao Zilong. Guan stepped over beside Xuande and knelt also raising when Xuande and Zilong did.
Toasting, Guan Yu and the assembly said after Liu Bei in union, "To friendship." They all downed their wine and the merry making continued, as everyone resumed their seats enjoying the entertainment on hand.
((I'm tired and I have college in the morning, me must make it quick.))
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Palace
Jun 30, 2010 21:53:41 GMT
Post by Zhao Yun on Jun 30, 2010 21:53:41 GMT
After the festivities were over, Zhao Yun had retired to his new residence.
Some time later, a soldier entered the palace and bowed to Liu Bei or another of high rank. He seemed out of breath and anxious to report his findings.
"My lord, a large group of cavalry has arrived from the east and are moving closer to the city. I would estimate around 2000 men, but it could be more."
The soldier waited a moment before continuing.
"There are many a white flag amongst them as well. Would it not be wise to send someone to meet with them?"
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Palace
Jul 1, 2010 1:53:53 GMT
Post by Liu Bei on Jul 1, 2010 1:53:53 GMT
Liu Bei who had remained visiting in Yong An, arose to this new revelation and said to the soldier,
"Ready my horse, and inform Zilong and Yunchang to gather an escort of some cavalry. We'll go to meet this newcomer. Tell them to rendezvous with me at the eastern gate."
He quickly went to his chambers. He was going to put on some armour in case the flags were a ruse and this was a real threat, though he wasn't going to appear in full armour. He merely placed his breastplate on, and covered it with his robe. On appearance it didn't look like he had armour, but it would be more than enough protection for this. He also girded his sword to his belt, and then leaving his chambers he made his way out of the palace to his horse who had already been saddled up, and ready.
Quickly mounting the horse he named Firefoot, he headed towards the designated gate, and awaited the arrival of his generals.
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Palace
Jul 1, 2010 8:10:24 GMT
Post by Guan Yu on Jul 1, 2010 8:10:24 GMT
Guan Yu was occupying the yamen, going about his usual duties. When his brother's order was transmitted to him he quickly called for his armour. A servant hastily brought it before the General, it was always on hand incase of an emergency. Fitting on only the breastplace and donning his rich green war gown, Guan taking up his great Guandao, fitting a sword to his belt, and mounting his steed, went to meet his brother at the east gate.
Guan arrived at the gate swiftly he had brought ten cavalrymen hailing from the Chu region to serve as guards.
Approaching Liu Bei, Guan said, "In accordance with your order brother, I am ready."
Zhang Qin, Dong Ping, and Wu Yong were assigned elsewhere and did not join Guan Yu.
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