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Palace
Jun 11, 2010 7:49:28 GMT
Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 11, 2010 7:49:28 GMT
The die had been cast and the victor had finally returned home…
It had been an interesting journey. He had never expected the city to have fallen so quickly to his words, but it had – and the city had acquiesced shortly after he arrived at the scene. He had thought a lot of Fei Shu as he returned back to his capital, and in a weird way he missed the gentle expression the man had shown in his final words of submission. He had shown qualities of a true hero, a man who would put aside their differences for a greater good, and in that gracious act he had saved the lives of thousands. Liu would remind him-self to pay tribute to such a man later.
Now, he was far too concerned with retrieving his seat to express thoughts on the fate of others. He had left the city of Zi Tong in the capable hands of Huang Quan, who would now govern and rule the city whilst he would return back to his home. There would be another war looming in sight soon enough – and he needed the security of his own four walls to plan it efficiently.
He drew closer to the city as he thought about his plans. He had originally wanted to take on Han Zhong, but news had reached him of the nanman tribes to the south, and he wanted to send his armies there to execute his plans. It would fall in the end, as all states would reaching his domain. He was not an evil man, on the contrary – but he ruled his lands with an iron fist, and he had no qualms in eradicating the filth that shattered his dreams of power.
He reached Cheng Du just before dawn, and had allowed himself a few extra minutes to prepare himself before placing his horse in the stables. There would be countless requests he kenw, and the palace attendants would be running riot across his floors screaming and preaching as they always did when their rulers were absent. It was a natural cycle, and soon enough he would dismiss them. But first – he needed his kingdom to grow; he needed Yi for him to declare such a bold move against the state he no longer cared for.
He paused as he reached the steps of the palace, and greeted the two guards that held their positions. They informed him that a woman had been escorted to the quest chamber, and left there whilst waiting for an attendant or minister to return to the Palace. Sadly, none had come before Liu Yan – and his heart sank for a few moments as he contemplated the extent of the woman’s stay.
He asked for a guard to fetch her and to bring her to the throne room, where he positioned himself on his chair. When she arrived, he bid her a fond smile and a bow. Even if he was a man of great ambition – he had to place this act on ‘all’ who came to greet him, in fear of them being han magistrates or reporters.
“You honour me with your visit Lady Zhen.” He said confidently, “I can only apologise for my tardiness. I had left the palace in the hands of a minister whilst I was away on business, but it seems he has found himself in jail as a result of his failure.”
He smile broke through, and he ordered for drinks to be brought forward, “Please, how can I be of service to you.” He took a glass from one of the maids and dismissed her with a flick of the wrist. Then, he settled in his seat and waited for the lady’s response.
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Palace
Jun 13, 2010 15:28:10 GMT
Post by Tan Zhi Han on Jun 13, 2010 15:28:10 GMT
It had been a dark and foggy night as Tan Zhi Han and his fellows escaped north of the mountains of Bei Hai with their Cypress river craft.
Han had originally intended to become an official of Bei Hai's government, but the current administration under Lu Bu seemed lax and prepared for the worst case scenario, which was not where Han wanted to be.
The men slowly crept into their craft and pushed off towards the west. They would travel during the night, and camp in isolated areas during the day. Once they made it as far as the river could go, they travelled on foot. Han always marched with his men, they would chant songs from Bei Hai.
The lands erupt in chaos! What heroes shall come to be? No mere men from all of the Middle Kingdom could rise up, But from Bei Hai they flow freely!
Rise brothers rise up! We ride the seas, and climb the mountains, where else could you be? That the men of Bei Hai are the heroes for history to see. So rise brothers rise. We march our way to victory.
The men chanted and cheered, ate and sleep. But everyone kept up a brisk pace. The aim was Cheng Du, a foreign place with potential for fame and glory.
Han had planned to join with one of the Central Plains' warlords, but the recent outbreak of civil war had him go elsewhere. Lords fighting for more power was not very impressive. They had to at least pretend to have a cause; so Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan were out.
Cao Cao was a good option, but there were rumors that the man had killed his own uncle's family some time ago, and he was supposedly quite temperamental, especially in the face of alcohol.
Then there were Guo Si and Li Jue, Han considered them only for the sake of the Emperor, but the streets were currently filled with the blood of their infighting, no haven for his men to spread wings and fly.
Also, there was Ma Teng... But the lands of the north west were privy to barbarian raids, and Ma Teng himself had once been a rebel against the court.
Liu Yan it was... His lands were rich, and his position relatively safe from incursion. Han looked to the overcast skies as he marched. The dark clouds that had hung overhead were dissipating the farther west he went... A sign from the heavens?
A few weeks later Han found himself near the outskirts of Cheng Du. His men had lived off the lands and occassionaly fended off pirates and bandits. Usually the beating of drums and use of deadly force by crossbow was enough to frighten off would be ambushers without mishap. The men had rested many times during their march, but it was time to finally settle down. Han camped his men outside the city limits, and walked to the palace to meet Liu Yan. Han approached whoever seemed to greet visitors and greeted the man with a fist in palm and slight bow.
"Hail, I am Tan Zhi Han, and I have come from afar in the hopes of seeking an audience with Lord Liu Yan of Yi"
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Palace
Jun 13, 2010 15:58:50 GMT
Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 13, 2010 15:58:50 GMT
Wei Xiadi had been assigned the task of watchman, and he manned the city and its many walls with an air of confidence that few others seemed to possess. It was unsettling, for very few strolled the streets with pride for their country; few did the small things one would do when in times of peace. It had seemed Liu Yan’s acts of war had unsettled his inhabitants, or maybe it was the fact that he stood up against the courts that had restricted and bound his people that created the tension. He did not know, or care for that matter.
He was a living specimen, an orgasm destined only for war and conflict. He would smile when his master would speak of the days to come, knowing only what war felt and tasted like. It was his style, his purpose – he had never witnessed the tranquil setting his master had often pictured in his dreams or poems, but that was just another part of understanding life and the human condition. It was just another quest to undertake and accomplish.
Today would be no different, every task he had been given he completed with dedication and commitment. He strived to please his master, to achieve what he could. He cared for only a few things in this world, and one of them was self-achievement, he wanted to rise, to prosper – he wanted to open his wings and fly across the vast ocean, he wanted it all.
He smiled at what he wanted, and then was paused when he watched a newcomer rise to the Palace gates. He did not stop the man, nor did he appear threatening – he simply bowed, and before he had the chance to ask the man his business the man had spoken, clearly and efficiently.
“Your wish is my command.” He replied bluntly, and then swirled on his heel to enter the room. He did not speak to the man – he did not need to, he was another man to see his lord, and he was just another warrior of the ranks Liu Yan had built during his time of governorship.
He entered the throne room with the man close behind, and then gestured for the man to step forward to Liu Yan. There were few people present in the palace, a woman, Liu Yan and a few ministers and guards taking note on the happenings of the day.
“Greetings.” Liu Yan smiled as he spoke, and then offered the general some refreshments, “How may I be of service to you…” He paused, struggling for a name, and Wei Xiadi stepped forth, his face flushed at his own tardiness.
“His name is Tan Zhi Han my lord.” He said at last.
“Ahh. Then how may I be of service to you Tan Zhi Han?” He smiled politely, and then waved a hand to Wei Xiadi. He complied, swirling again on his heel before leaving the throne room.
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Palace
Jun 13, 2010 16:26:24 GMT
Post by Tan Zhi Han on Jun 13, 2010 16:26:24 GMT
[... an orgasm destined only for war and conflict] - Excellent typo. XD
Han followed the warrior closely, noting no name, but also examining each person as he entered the throne room. For Liu Yan to act so casually around this warrior, the man had to be of some import. The woman in the room was also out of place, perhaps a concubine of sorts? Han would wait to determine that. Han accepted the refreshments presented him, and then kowtowed low towards the ground, arms extended.
Han spoke in a humble, but strong voice (Han is a big man, how humble can that voice get). Thank you for honoring me thusly. It is this simple wanderer's great fortune to meet the man who has pacified the west. Today I have come to speak with you about the future of your kingdom, and the future of my career as one of your faithful commanders and my troops as one of your armies if you would have me.
Han remained bowed, waiting for permission to rise. Perhaps all of his actions were too much, but he knew how one must act before the royal family. And although he did not know if Liu Yan demanded such behavior, Han would rather go the extra mile rather than fall short one...
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Palace
Jun 13, 2010 17:04:07 GMT
Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 13, 2010 17:04:07 GMT
(At least it’s a funny typo lol)
Liu Yan watched with mild interest at the extent of the man’s unpretentious attitude. He treated him like he was something of worth – or royal lineage, and that aspect had always annoyed Liu Yan. After all – it was not his blood that would secure his future, or his country – but his actions and his deeds.
“Please, rise.” He spoke boldly, his face etching none of the frustration he felt inside. It saddened him, how men would bow before the assumption of perceived authority and royalty.
“But now that you have risen. Never bow before me again as if I am superior to you.” His eyes darkened slightly, and he lifted his body from his throne, “Do you think my royal blood is what allowed me the opportunity to pacify my land. Do you think it is my title or my ancestry that has given me the right to kill, to tame and to lead?”
He sighed, though he was not annoyed with the man before him, but rather the prospect of recent ideology. He was a simple man – and the sooner society changed to see a man’s worth for the quantity and quality of his deeds the better.
“Every ruler must forge a path through the obstacles presented to him, and I have done so with all of my might. I have endured failures, I have even lost my brothers and my family to the chaos that emit from this stench ridden earth that calls itself heaven. Yet I do not hold a grudge to the world – or its inhabitants. I am grateful to the human condition, to the path we decide to take and lead. We are free men after all.”
He bowed his head, and then smiled, “You and your men will help bring me closer to a dream I have. A dream where our children do not have to walk among the poverty that we see around us, I dream of a time when the empire that has bled us dry is gone, replaced with something new, something ready to deal with the challenges of our future. I am a simple man, and I do not use my royal blood to get me my cities – or to win me my wars. I require talent, skill and absolute determination and belief. I will fight among my brothers and my sisters, and I will shape my land into a world I can be proud to be a part of. If you too, share this ideology of mine – then my house welcomes you and I…..bow before you.”
He dipped his head low, and then raised his hand in the air as a sign of a promise, “A kingdom is not just a ruler, but also his officers, his supporters and his commanders in arms. I will bow to every man who will pledge to me his cause, for I am not above them – I am equal. We all play a role in these tides of fate, and my role is strictly that of an administrative nature. If you would bend your knee to my cause, and to my people – then you are welcome in my house.”
He bowed again, and when he looked back at Han his eyes were large and focused. He was worked up – and even he could feel himself tensed at the prospect of his own ideology. He laughed, and returned back to his seat.
“I apologise. I feel I have spoken too much, please – if you have any queries, feel free to ask. Today you are an honoured guest to my halls, and by tomorrow I must leave to save the Nanman in the south.”
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Palace
Jun 13, 2010 17:34:19 GMT
Post by Tan Zhi Han on Jun 13, 2010 17:34:19 GMT
Han stood when Liu Yan spoke. And as he looked upon Liu Yan's countenance, he could not help but smile within. Every word that Liu Yan spoke, whether for show or not, was brilliant. Han had dreamt the exact words Liu Yan spoke, and as Liu Yan continued to speak, Han found himself nodding and mhming in affirmation. Han had been right, Liu Yan is a man for the ages.
You go south to settle the Nanman. Would you leave Ma Teng to secure the north, and Liu Bei and Liu Biao to press upon our East? Or have you already secured promises of peace from all of these men? And if you go South, although my men and I have come far, I would accompany you further and offer what skills I can to your campaign. I have not done anything to deserve any merit from you, but your words echo my own. I, Tan Zhi Han of Bei Hai, pledge my service to your cause, and to the people.
Han stood straight and at attention, with wide eyes himself. His eyes also focused upon this man, his lord. Han would change destiny with Liu Yan.
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Palace
Jun 14, 2010 20:23:08 GMT
Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 14, 2010 20:23:08 GMT
Liu Yan could only smile at the forwardness of his warriors claims. He had spoken of his surrounding areas, and for a second Liu Yan was caught in attention. His eyes transfixed only on the problem he concluded to be the most important.
“I do not fear those around me.” He eventually muttered, “You are observant however, and for that I shall respond to you in kind.”
He lifted himself from his throne and paced the width of the interior. He had originally sought peace with those around him – but as the weeks had passed his scouts had come back empty-handed, his enemies did not move, and when they did they posed no threat to his own legion.
“I am a kin to Liu Bei, and for that I shall see him in person. I do not wish to spill the blood of my own kinsmen, but Yi is too small for two Liu’s.”
He smiled at the prospect, before dismissing the thought and moving onto the next, “We are allies with Ma Teng and Liu Biao poses no threat to me, even if large – the man is too content with the restoration process of the Han. He will not bother me for quite some time.”
Then he thought of the Nanman people, and the blatant suffering they had endured. It angered him – to see how such a corrupt and unjust nation could turn against a native group of people, “But my heart is set to Nanzhong.”
He looked at Han then, his eyes fresh once again with emotion and ambition. He was no fool – but the man had a soft spot for native culture, and a part of him had always enjoyed the stories he had heard as a child in regards to those of the southern realm.
“I cannot stand by and watch the government I have fed by whip the native people from their own country. No….Nanzhong is our only objective at this time.”
He thought of Liu Bei, and was caught for a moment of indecision.
“But I must go and see Liu Bei.”
He mused again, and then smiled as he turned his attention back to Tai Zhi Han, “I have a brave man, known as Yan Yan who is helping achieve the plans I have set in Nanzhong. If you wish to help the people and the cause – then head south with your men, to the city of Jian Ning, and proclaim to the city your allegiance. Then…send a messenger to Yan Yan who should be with the Nanman tribes there, he will know what you must do.”
He smiled, and then for an instant his face darkened, “The task I set you is no easy one, and I have yet to understand your true purpose. The…nature of this objective is not one of friendliness. I must betray the trust we will feign to win with the city of Jian Ning, and you are the only man I have capable to bring about such trust. Head there – and together with Yan Yan bring the city beneath not just my flag – but the people of Nanman, for we are not alone in this war, not anymore.”
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Palace
Jun 14, 2010 23:32:45 GMT
Post by Zhen Ji on Jun 14, 2010 23:32:45 GMT
If I'm a BAD person, you don't like me
I guess I'll make MY own way Hearing a voice, Zhen Ji zoned back into the current situation smoothing herself out ever so slightly. When she heard her name she turned around and gave a smile, playing the part of sweet at least only for the moment.
"The pleasure is all mine Liu Yan" lightly she said it as she gave a small bow yet somehow even with that she seemed to have a air around her. Zhen Ji held herself high, though some of the times she was just better at playing the humble women. In truth though, she would never be close to being some humble women.
"It's perfectly fine" she said lacing her fingers together as she stood and kept herself at a perfect balance "after all you are a busy man". Her reply was simple but somehow the tone she carried when she spoke was irresistible to listen to. Something about her drew people in and she had never once used it for anything really other then her own personal gain because other people did not matter much to her. After all when your heart turned to 'ice' what did you really have to worry about? People were fools, if she broke down and cried then people would think her to have some kind of emotions.
Little did they ever know that about the only emotion that ever really worked out for her was and always would be anger. It had given her the drive to do what she had done so very long ago and it had given her the reasoning in her mind to not be ashamed. Yes when people dared to ask, she would become a emotion wreck and Zhen Ji would let down a wall into being a widow. The truth that she had done it at that moment often only became mere speculations. People were often such puppets.
When he asked how he could be of service to her she smirked lightly as she thought about it for a few moments before responding. Though before she could let anything come out of her mouth, someone else had entered the room. Another man, predictable naturally since most of the time around here about all you find was pig headed men. Fighting for some 'greater good', at least most of the time that was about all their intentions were. To bring the world into a new and peaceful world yet they used such violent means to reach that perfect ending.
Even when they did...it was hardly anything they had ever imagined. The world was always meant to be in chaos at least that was her opinion, no man, women or child would ever be able to change that. People by nature were and always would be evil. He had looked at her and from what she could of guessed he was trying to figure her out or he was just taking a guess at why she was there. Rarely did women ever seem to fit in anyones pictures especially men who believed that women were not meant to fight.
Men were easy to manipulate so the way she figured it was if it was that easy to manipulate one in everyday life, on the battlefield it should be even easier. Settling her hands on her hips lightly she heard the man speaking, predictable as usual. Her facial expression showed only one of sheer boredom at least for the moment. This man treated Liu Yan as if he were some sort of god, which surprised her slightly but then again some of the best suck ups were always surprising.
"Well" Zhen Ji said finally speaking up in a soft and cool tone, which had the tendency to draw in the people who surrounded her. "I'm not going to throw any sort of big speech in front of you, only the truth" she said very simply lacing two of her fingers together. Lightly Zhen Ji brushed a hand threw her hair as she paused for a moment, letting them hang on her statement. "I have grown bored of where I currently am" Zhen Ji said calmly "my fiance murdered" she said lightly as her lip quivered slightly and her eyes seemed to glisten with tears. Turning her head to the side and out of sight she make it appear as though she was whipping her tears away but she was smirking the whole time. "I am tired of sitting around in a lavished home with my mother who no longer seems to have the capability to speak" Zhen Ji said as she turned her head back and looked at him. "I want something more out of life" Zhen Ji said as she looked at him for a moment.
"You seem to be the most logical choice" Zhen Ji brushed some of her hair to the side and ran a hand threw it. "You are one of the more wiser of men, you deal with reality as it is which is something I find to admire" after all it was rare for people to be like that. "So I came here to offer my service, I do not intend to throw myself at your feet, after all only a fool would lower themselves to such a level" Zhen Ji said with a laugh. "I may not look like much but" her lips formed a smirk that only seemed to show and the most devious of humans "you have no idea what I am capable of". Memories flashed threw her head, digging the knife into his chest the rush of it all, silencing her idiot of a mother once and for all. Hiding behind a god given face was something vastly more devious, corrupt, and poisonous.
A pretty face can hide alot...
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Jun 17, 2010 22:36:49 GMT
Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 17, 2010 22:36:49 GMT
Liu Yan could only smile at the words of Zhen Ji. She had not succumbed to the trickery of the masses by bowing her head in submission, nor had she offered praise after praise, and for that Liu Yan liked the woman before him. She was young, feisty and most of all – elegant. She did not speak of wonders or woe him with the words of an angel. No, she was straight to the point, and behind her charming embrace Liu Yan felt his heart settle.
“You hide.” He retorted, his words masked by a grin. “I do not envy that trait.”
He smiled as he paced the throne, settling himself to stand only an inch away from the woman he was ready to accept. He could feel her breath on his skin – and for a moment he felt like laughing at the prospect. No, he was not excited…
“Though…would you be a fool to lower yourself beneath me. Are we united by the bonds of fate, or are we far apart?”
He gazed at her for a moment, allowing the silence to settle. He did not care for the woman’s charms, nor did his heart hasten with her allurement…No, there was something inside this woman that amused him, something dark – something very familiar.
“I am glad that you find me the logical choice, though I do not wish to be the common favourite.”
He backed away, and his face was one of coldness, “You speak as if you have much to give, and I pray your actions can speak as highly as your words. But tell me, why fight?”
He had already known the answer, but the woman was obviously a trickster, someone who was as devious as they were cunning. He liked that, though he was not yet convinced if her abilities would truly shine. She had spoken of being bored, of missing intellect – and yet the battlefield was no place for women who sought to converse with the intelligence of man. She had spoken hastily, and although she had appeared fragile – her true nature shone beneath, a subtle yet fragrant blackness that would only ever emit from a woman with a hidden agenda.
He did not mind, his commander in arms was an assassin after all.
“Enlighten me.” He finally said, still gazing at her, “What are you capable of, what can you bring to my empire.”
He smiled. He had used the word with haste, and his mind felt doubt as he contemplated the meaning. Empire, yes…he had indeed said it, and his eyes shifted to his ministers who had raised their heads at the comment. His ambitions were finally settling, and his cold distant eyes found themselves placed back on Zhen Ji.
“Though, forgive me.” He bowed his head in courtesy, and his lighter features settled once again on his face. “I welcome you to my house. Let us bring forth a world without chaos, where noble men like your husband do not die so tragically.” He paused, bowing his head and then raising it. His officers did not see, but as he gazed into her eyes he smiled, a lip tracing the tip of his nose in a smirk. She would probably see it, and inside she would know he doubted her stories of elegance and of innocence. No – he did not believe this woman was innocent, but then again – who did.
He gazed passed her to his men, and then he nodded curtly, “Very well. If you seek something from life – then pledge to me your allegiance. There is a world Zhen Ji, a world you have yet to witness.” His face hardened as he looked at her, and then he found his way back to his throne. He would be leaving soon, but for now he would hear her reply.
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Jun 25, 2010 13:24:12 GMT
Post by Jiang Wei on Jun 25, 2010 13:24:12 GMT
(OOC, excuse the shortness of this, I've got little time on my hands today.)
Traveling light, Zhuge Ke had traveled hard, pushed on by the south western winds. He would soon be upon the palace of Liu Yan, a character for whom Zhuge held a special respect. Liu Yan would indeed be a worthy lord and master, someone Jiang Wei could learn from in spades. As he paused, the city of Cheng Du lay before his very eyes, Zhuge had not predicted such activity, carts and wagons flowing like ants from the hive. On he pressed, now at a more relaxed pace, the horse had taken much of the burden and for that Zhuge wished not to ask anymore of the weary beast. Its dark skin, shining, pouring with sweat and by now taking heavy, long, deep breaths. He too was sweating, although to a far lesser extent, occasionally concealing the work achieved with a casual dab of the forehead.
The guards on the door appeared to take little notice, perhaps a raised eyebrow, nothing more. He had reached the hive, inside it was even more crowded, trading merchants and local townsfolk present in abundance. Slipping through the crowd, he reached the palace and swiftly dismounted, concentrating upon the matter at hand. Zhuge gave a slight nod to the guards, handing over his sword, before the huge doors began to creep open thus allowing him entrance. His robes fluttering momentarily, as if the heavens themselves willed Zhuge into the room.
"Master Liu Yan, I have come bearing a message from Jiang Wei." His pale robes, matched only by the color of his stone, expressionless face. Bowing low, but breifly, he made eye contact..."Master Jiang Wei wishes to offer your kindness his servitude, he also wishes you to forgive him for not appearing in person for he is about to do battle alongside the coalition forces against Li Jue."
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Jun 26, 2010 0:30:31 GMT
Post by Zhuge Liang on Jun 26, 2010 0:30:31 GMT
(we’ll assume this take place before the time-stamp and the change of site rules.)
A candle flickered as Jiang Wei’s officer, Zhuge Ke, approached. It was strange, but like a candle, a man’s life was very bright, very refreshing to look at and admire. And then, with a change of fate, or perhaps a strong gust of wind – that fire, that burning light could waver and die and there would be nothing to prove for its loss. There were always just two existing states for a burning flame, it was either burning or it was dying – there was no medium, no happy state where it could thrive alone, no…like men a candle required much more than its own being to survive in the world. It required oxygen, space, and a material for it to turn freely from. It thrived off of other things, and that too – was very much like a man.
He brought his attention to Zhuge Ke before the candle flickered in its final attempts to exist, and then it died, defeated by some unknown gust that had crept within his halls. He did not see it end.
“Ahh, that is understandable.” He started, a smile stretched across his face as his eyes finally rested back to the candle he had once observed, “War is a dangerous place, and he fights a just cause.”
He stood as he finished, bowing low before returning back to his officers and maids. He had heard the man’s request, and he held himself gently at the thought of another among his ranks, “Li Jue is a tyrant. I would lend your leader aid had I the resources to spare. The emperor needs securing, it pains me to see the Han, the kingdom my fore-fathers had fought for wane in this strenuous realm we now live in. Please…”
He beckoned the man to sit in one of the chairs – and then ordered for a maid to come with refreshments, “…I would be honoured to have Jiang Wei serve me in my quest. There is a lot of filth and corruption in this world, and it needs to be rectified.”
He smiled, and then moved over to be closer to the man, “I have waited a long time, and only now do I sense that the time to act is right. I am not a fool hardy man though, just a man with a dream – like the rest of us.”
He took his eyes and placed them on Zhuge Ke, he had heard very little of the man, and although he was just an officer beneath Jiang Wei his heart raced with excitement. Maybe this was the calling he had been waiting for, for a mind of great renown and valour to come and help him in matters he could not excel in, after all – he was only human.
“Say, would you all join me for a walk. I feel I need to see the changing world for the last time before the new dawn sets.”
He spoke in a riddle, and smiled as both feet made its way to his throne room. He would leave – and he would transverse across his cities perimeter, he had a feeling…an urge to meet someone, yet he could not tell who it was.
(Continued in the thread with Zuo Ci lol)
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Jun 26, 2010 13:58:02 GMT
Post by Jiang Wei on Jun 26, 2010 13:58:02 GMT
With a feint tingling smell of smoke creeping up his nostrils, the candle was no more, its sole purpose in life perhaps achieved. The simple, basic aspects of life are cherished by the common farmer yet often overseen and forgotten by those in a position of influence. Like many great men, it too may have had aspirations, to perform the unthinkable... "Dreams, often as powerful as they are dangerous, are rarely achieved by the individual. For dreasm to be achieved one must work with a collective, walk the same path, in the same direction..... Master Jiang Wei will be pleased to serve under yourself, my Lord, however the decision to come here has been mine and mine alone."
He paused to take seat, lofting some watered wine from a nearby table, allowing Liu Yan's words to be correctly understood and appreciated. "I have been entrusted with the power to shape a young mans future, something I had not for seen. It is not the power that troubles me... but the responsibility."
Taking a gentle sip, he folded his robes neatly, retaining posture of a more formal manner. Zhuge Ke had always, since youth been a man of great elegance and grace. "It is for this reason I have come. I could choose any of the vying lords who have risen.... however I would always be troubled that master Jiang Wei may never be truly happy. The respect I hold for yourself convinces me that this decision is a correct one." A rare snicker of a smile began to appear before being extinguished like the candle.
As the Lord raised once more to his feet, he placed his cup of wine back before lifting in one fluid motion to his feet. Taking a couple of steps forward, as not to propel his voice across the vast oceans of the palace." I shall send message to master Jiang Wei, informing him of the happenings here." A brief bow followed, however the Lords response was not something to be anticipated.
Zhuge Ke had traveled a fair distance, yet remained far more fresh than the hooved beast which had carried him down across the plains.
With his focus still primarily upon Lord Liu Yan, Zhuge Ke gave a slight nod. It was a brief distance, yet it would be enough as to get better acquainted. "As you wish... my Lord." It would be foolish of him not to accept such a gesture. He had already witnessed some of the markets and houses before arriving at the palace, Cheng Du was a lively place to be.
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Jul 7, 2010 20:45:11 GMT
Post by Norion on Jul 7, 2010 20:45:11 GMT
Citizens of Cheng Du,
It comes with heartfelt sorrow that I inform you of this information. Our philanthropic Lord Liu Yan has fallen gravely ill, and is unable to rule the kingdom to his full extent. With what may have been one of his last breaths, Liu Yan declared myself, Vilakazi Shimazu, as the new ruler of his kingdom. I will rule with a soft hand and a firm grip, as Liu Yan has over these past harmonous years.
It is also with great honor that I inform you all that Liu Fan, the coward son of Liu Yan, has fled the kingdom. He was, undoubtably, angry over his lack of leadership skills and acted with child-like immaturity after his father named me as the interim ruler. He fled the kingdom in shame, and if he ever has the urge to show himself within the lands of this kingdom, he will be met with vicious retaliation previously unseen within the land of China.
I shall rule with my brother, Xiang Shimazu, and my blood brother Magashi Shimazu. I assure you all that the passing of the torch will be smooth. Thank you, citizens, for your dedication.
---- Vilakazi Shimazu, Ruler of the kingdom of Liu Yan
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Palace
Jul 7, 2010 20:50:20 GMT
Post by Xiahou Xian on Jul 7, 2010 20:50:20 GMT
Xian sighed as Cheng Du finally came into sight. It wasn't be any means a tiring trip, but He was still annoyed that Cao Cao, his own Cousin!, had ignored him. Busy or not, Family was something you made time for. Making his way threw Cheng Du, He politely asked for directions to where he could find the lord, and headed to the Palace. At the Gates He was stopped by a guard, and after a small conversation, lead into a audience room and told to wait, that Lord Shimazu would be with him shortly.
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Palace
Jul 7, 2010 21:10:34 GMT
Post by Norion on Jul 7, 2010 21:10:34 GMT
While not much had changed between the leadership of the kingdom once Kazi took over, the throne room had changed visually. Thick purple curtains draped the windows, blocking any and all outside light from entering. The decorative pottery was also removed from the throne room, and places within a room dedicated to Liu Yan's memory, honoring his character and leadership. That room was Liu Fan's old room, since he had booked town like a homo.
Hundreds of candles lined the walls of the throne room, and everything burnable had been removed. The throne itself was also different; Liu Yan's throne has been placed inside his memorial room. Where Liu Yan's throne once sat now had three black and purple thrones. Kazi sat in the center, Magashi on the right and Xiang on the left. however, only Kazi sat in the throne room at the moment. He was laying across it, his legs over one of the arms. His eyes were closed, and he was inhaling slowly and deeply. The candles were all scented. Ambrosia.
The guards within the throne room were the Bear Tooth Warriors, their intimidating, animal-like figures lining the walls under the candles. the curtains blocked out the sun, and the minimal heat from the candles provided a cool climate within the throne room.
The doors to the throne room opened, and Kazi noticed Magashi and Xiang approaching. They looked a little pissed, and Kazi could only assume the results of their search.
"No sign of him, Xiang?
"No, he's not in Jiang Ning, Zi Tong, or Jian Zhou.
"Little douche skipped town, compadre."
"Hm... well, even in the battle of Jian Zhou he failed to make any impact. He will not be missed. Magashi, later today I would like a reward posted for his head on a spear. More money if he is returned here alive. Tell me, Xiang, any news within the city?"
"You've go a visitor in the audience hall. Guards say his name is Xiahous Xian, one of Cao Cao's distant cousins. He isn't wearing Cao's colors, though. I'd assume he's a rogue."
"Indeed? Magashi, bring him in, would you?"
Magashi nodded and walked back, opening the throne room doors into the Audience Hall.
"Hey, Kazi-... Uh, I mean Lord Shimazu will see you know."
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