The Rising Phoenix Tavern (Chen Liu)

[Zhang Liao]

It was growing late, the sun having gave way to the moon hours before. Yet, The Rising Phoenix tavern located on the outskirts of the market district in Chen Liu was still full of life. Many loud patrons crowded the tables laughing and telling stories of their day. Some happy, some sad, some full of anger and some just plain bizarre. A few men who had a little more wine than they could handle had succumbed to sleep and were now being woken so they could be ushered to the front door by the owner of the establishment.

Sitting in the corner by himself was Zhang Liao. In front of him sat a bowl of wine. The same bowl that he had ordered hours before. Many of the patrons throughout the night watched the man, as he sat silently staring into the wine as if it was speaking to him. They joked amongst themselves about how Liao had gone crazy, but none dare speak loud enough for him to hear.

((open rp))

ooc: crappy post i know. I need to get into the flow of things

[colby]

Ambition. Ambition had brought Cao Cao control of Chen Liu in the first place. He was fond of drinking but rarely went out to drink in public taverns, such a thing would dishonour him. He was a high target, with a higher bounty upon his head. He liked it that way, considered himself a figure of nobility and power.. though he couldn't help but to feel he was missing something within the city. It was a medium size town with a humble population, nothing busy or hectic with a small and proud produce which provided Cao Cao with a tender income.

He studied his wine with his lips before overlooking the balcony of his palace. A place he rarely left unless war or other tasks provoked him. With the new addition of Luo Yang he found himself back and forth between the two, at least until worthy officers arose from his ranks. Men of strength, valour and determination.

"My lord, Zhang Liao has been spotted in the tavern on the outskirts of the city."

Cao Cao almost dropped his cup of wine in amazement, Zhang Liao the general of Lu Bu was in Cao Cao's lands? Cao Cao had spies scattered all over the place though he never admitted to it. Such things would make him seem like a fool or a betrayer.. he clearly was but he didn't wish to come clean just yet. Back to the case of Zhang Liao now, he stroked his beard.. it could only mean a few things.. he hoped it meant what he thought. Zhang Liao was more then aware that Cao Cao ruled these lands.

"Request his audience, does he appear to be with anyone else?"

Cao Cao replied the the messenger who had rewarded him with this great news before turning to him and investigating.

"No my lord, he is all alone."

Alone? Cao Cao laughed. Perhaps Lu Bu had finally upset his mighty general and Zhang Liao had come to drown his sorrows, or something a little more dramatic..? Cao Cao hoped so, dissmissing his messenger to go find the man and bring him here. If there was talent within his borders, he would at least see to it that they were tended to by the best wine and best company.

[Zhang Liao]

How many hours have I wasted? He thought to himself, still staring into the bowl of wine. Liao wondered why he should be so indecisive, for it was out of his character. But then again the past 13 months he hasn't been quite the same man he once was. His thoughts drifted to memories of his time with Lu Bu. Then, he was considered by many to be one of the greatest men China had to offer. Now what did they think of him? "NO MORE!!" were the words that bellowed from his mouth as Zhang Liao surged to his feet. In that same motion his bowl of wine was sent flying against the wall, smashing it into hundreds of tiny pieces. "Why should I care what you think? You are but mere peasants!! I can see the mockery in your eyes. What pleasure it brings you to see myself in such a state."He thought to say more, but instead he dropped a few coins on the table and stormed from the tavern.

As he walked the streets and his anger subsided, Liao let out a long sigh. Once again he had made a fool of himself. Maybe what the people were saying about him was true...he was going crazy. Liao was interrupted by a man standing in his path. As he was barely paying attention to where he was walking, he nearly walked right through him. Stopping himself less than 2 inches in front of the man. "What do you want?"

"My lord Cao Cao requests audience with you general."

Thinking for a moment, Liao smirked. He had come here for just this reason. Had he not? "Very well, take me to him." was his response, as he waited for the man to lead the way.

[colby]

Cao Cao awaited the mans arrival, several minutes extending to seem like several hours. It dragged on however Cao Cao sat upon his throne patiently. Zhang Liao, a fearless warrior strict to his fighting and a worthy general for any army. Cao Cao counted blessings and would seize this chance when given it.

"My lord, Zhang Liao approaches!"

The young man said before the doors of the throne room opened presenting the man. He seemed every bit of the glorious quota he had obtained. Valiant, strong, brave and above all he had brain cells. Something Cao Cao valued, not just warriors; but warriors who thought before acting. People who could promote smart warfare and use themselves are their forces to the best of their advantages.

"Master Zhang Liao, you grace me with your presence!"

Cao Cao exclaimed stepping down his throne, pretending to have not prepared himself before meeting, gently stepping one foot infront of the other and presenting himself highly. They both had reputations to live up to after all! Zhang Liao was almost a decade younger then Cao Cao, however was quickly becoming one of the most feared figures in the north and considering he wasn't a leader; that was impressive.

"Welcome, please do make yourself comfortable? A drink perhaps?"

He questioned welcoming the man inside the throne room. A rare occasion for a man to be dragged off the streets and accepted within the throne room. Normally people had to request Cao Cao's time but this time it was the other way around. He stroked his beard leading the man outside to two soft pillows and splitting them a small table with several cups and drinks.

"What brings you to my lands, Great Liao?"

[Zhang Liao]

Liao followed silently as the messenger led the way. As they were about to enter the throne room, he checked his appearance quickly. Deciding it was suitable, he strode into the room with a swagger that oozed confidence but fell just short of cockiness.

Watching as Cao Cao gracefully dismounted his throne, Liao allowed himself a tiny smirk. He liked the way Cao Cao carried himself, he always had. Even when they were enemies, Liao respected the man greatly. As Cao Cao approached him, Liao dropped to one knee. "You honor me with your invitation my lord." not one to "suck up" per say. Liao knew a proper showing of respect would go a long way in showing his presence was one of nil hostility.

Now back on his feet, he followed Cao Cao to the pillows and arrangement of refreshments. The wine almost seemed to call to Liao. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. A year of drinking the vile liquid without restraint had nearly ruined the man. It would be hard to reverse the habits he picked up over that period, but by god he would do so. He would not allow his life to continue it's downward spiral. "The wine...please...if you do not mind. Have it removed from my presence." he said as he sat on one of the two pillows. "As for my business in Chen Liu. Well I am not sure exactly. I had thought to offer my services to the great Cao Cao. But I am seemingly unable to commit to important decisions as of late."

[colby]

"The honour is all mine, Master Liao."

Cao Cao laughed in conversation, welcoming him whilst gently bowing his head to compliment the honourable entrance as Zhang Liao bowed showing true respect. Master Lu Bu would have his head if he knew these events were occuring, however he didn't therefore Zhang Liao was safe, not that he wasn't safe anyway.

The sat upon the cushions, firm but comfortable things in which only the finest guests would appear. They were stationed outside but beneath a roof available for all types of weather. The man presented himself with confidence, something Cao Cao had no doubt he should require. It was over-confidence nor arrogance however the man knew of his own skills and knew his place in society, his strict discipline kept him in place but to some levels of confidence.

"The wine? consider it gone."

Cao Cao laughed, a weird notion to not want wine.. however if the man was giving up drinking his senses could never be dulled. A wise and honourable decision that he knew only a man like Zhang Liao could hold. The slaves gently stole the wine from the table before pouring them both small cups of tea, a strong a concetrated liquid.

"Offer your services to me? Zhang Liao you never disappoint me.. always one step ahead of the game in everything you do. A true master of the unpredictable. However if that is the case, there is a firm foundation in place. Your abilities would be vastly used aswell as highly rewarded. There is much honour and skill to gain but the decision is yours my friend.. though if not then we shall remain enemies"

Zhang Liao was not without skill, if Cao Cao couldn't have him.. then nobody could. He would see to it that the man was removed at least from the north. Zhang Liao deserved life and Cao Cao wasn't willing to take the mans life and therefore would merely transport him, he would only get in the way of his conquest. He was complimented however, leaving Lu Bu to join Cao Cao.. it had been the other way around so far with several of Cao Cao's officers leaving him to join Fengxian.

Mengde gently strokes his face before picking up the small cup of tea and gently rushing the liquid, a short-fused jolt of flavour, temperature and texture makes him shake his head - woken up a little.

"Zhang Liao, there is no finer blade then yours in the north.. is there not?"

[Zhang Liao]

Liao breathed a sigh of relief as Cao Cao made no objection to his request. With the wine removed, Liao felt the tension wash from his body. His muscles relaxed and he felt more comfortable with his surroundings. How ironic it was, that one of the very flaws that he despised in his former lord would nearly be his own downfall.

Picking up his freshly poured cup of tea, Liao sat silently for a moment. Taking in the aroma, it was a refreshing change from the wine. Lifting the cup to his lips and taking a small sip, Liao smiled. The taste was magnificent. He took a moment to savor it while he listened to Cao Cao's words. Nothing that was said surprised him. He knew very well what could be offered and what he could obtain by joining the kingdom of Cao. Even the words of flattery came as no surprise. And yet, Liao's chest seemed to puff up a little. The words seemed to take on more meaning coming from the man who had just spoken them.

Visions of past glory flickered in Liao's mind. He would know glory still. This he was sure of. "Ah, you honor me with such statements. Certainly there are many men whose blade could match my own. Some of them no doubt are already in your service." stopping to think for a moment, he continues. "Honor and skill...fame and reward...these are things I could obtain anywhere I choose to go. I do not say this because I am arrogant, but rather because it is true. You are no fool my lord. That is why I am here. Now tell me. What can you offer this General that no other can?" General...General...the word was like sugar to Liao's ears even as it flowed from his own mouth. More than anything else, that one word stood for everything he wanted in life. To regain his former glory, as a General. They are respected,feared,loved. Yes, this is what he wanted.

[colby]

Cao Cao laughed, watching Zhang Liao enjoy his drink before asking Cao Cao the ultimate question, a question only Cao Cao could manipulate and wield to his advantage. The general drove a hard bargain, Cao Cao didn't mind though.. skill cost alot but it repaid eventually. Honor.. skill... fame.. and reward. All delightful traits but nothing could compare.

"Ambition."

The word escapes his mouth, with all seriousness covering his face. His eyes stirring and turning wide. The very word that sent Cao's foes running, he would not stop, he could not stop. How did this help Zhang Liao?

"What can i offered you.. Hmm?"

He laughed, riches, women, armies, lands. All grand but that was not what Zhang Liao wanted.. they were merely perks of the lifestyle. Zhang Liao wished to grow beneath a leader, to be returned to his greater glory if not higher.

"Glory, the return of you power, strength, ability. People will learn to fear the name of Zhang Liao as it extends over the land. A fierce yet noble warrior, racing over the lands defeating all who stand in his way serving Cao Cao. A grand general, No! The greatest general! A man who could even compare to the great Lu Bu someday."

He laughed, allowing his ambition and imagination to drift a little. Zhang Liao could be whatever he wanted to be, it all depended on his actions and commitment. Cao Cao wouldn't hold him down like his previous leader, he could flourish - take the frontlines in his reigns and tear into the front lines ranks. Their was just as much glory to be won by Cao Cao as their was for Zhang Liao.

"I will offer you the greatest honour, the chance to rise and flourish above everyone else. Though its down to you to do so, Master Zhang Liao within my armies their are no barriers, ropes or chains. You are not held down and therefore everyone goes all out. We give no mercy, we breath no evil and we most certainly do not lose. I would see to it that you are crowned a King amongst fighters."

He ended, what could Zhang Liao offer Cao Cao? A loyal service. A small price for such a great prize to be awarded at the end. And when the new kingdom was forged and all enemies were defeated the name Zhang Liao would be carved into the scrolls of history.

[Zhang Liao]

Ambition...the word cut through the air as if a blade through butter. It was one of Cao Cao's greatest attributes and quite simply exactly the answer Liao needed to hear. This was in fact the one thing Cao Cao could offer that no other could. It was well known that Cao Cao's ambition far surpassed that of the next man. This meant, just as Cao said, that there were no limits to how high Liao could climb.

Liao sat as if in a daze as Cao Cao made his pitch. The man was better with words than any he had heard before. "Your reputation is well gained my lord. Everything I have heard, I can see it in you. Your words could move mountains." his face more serious now he continued. "However, my name is not to be mentioned in the same breath as Lu Bu. HE is not worthy. That is why I am here today is it not?" suddenly a loud boisterous fit of laughter overcame the General.

When he regained his composure, he apologized. "I am sorry. I do not know what came over me. Everything you have said. It is what I desire. If you will accept me, from this day forward I shall follow your every command."

[colby]

Cao Cao couldn't have rolled it off his tongue better, the hiss of his words promoting such power and sophistication. Ambition. Nobody could compete with him, especially with Zhang Liao devoting his blade to his cause. His arsenal was growing at a rate that even Mengde didn't expect. He laughed. Cao Cao was a man of words and wisdom, though he could carry a sword rather well also.

"You flatter me, my words are nothing more then a tool for my ambition. This fire that burns within inspires such words."

He smiled, touching a natural high. His forces were growing with strong men and women all he felt loyal and comfortable around. Strong, fierce but headstrong aswell. The men who would gladly lay down their lives for him for the greater good.

"Ah, Lu Bu. A feral beast but a man to be feared none the less. The only true threat towards my northern empire. Though the man is of low morals and a terrible attitude and ego.. i have to applaud him for his mere reputation."

Cao Cao respect them around him, no matter how much of his enemies they were. Him and Lu Bu were on good terms at the moment but even if they were rivals he respected them and talent. It was true though, Lu Bu was no leader. He was a warrior and couldn't lead an army nor control one.. he was much better under Dong Zhuo's forces in Cao Cao's opinion but he guessed his ego overcontrolled him making him see himself as an equal for the other governors - something that required intelligence rather then brute strength.

"No need to apologize, a man is entitled to his own thoughts. Perhaps we can use your strong feelings upon the battlefield. I accept your service and you shall begin immediately! There is not a minute to lose for the Great Zhang Liao shall soon enough be the devil of the battlefield."

He smiled, patting the man on the shoulder before slaughtering the rest of the tea that laid around for them. A start to a brand new friendship and chapter to Zhang Liao's life.

[Zhang Liao]

It wasn't until Cao Cao patted his shoulder that Liao realized how tired he was. The night had dragged on and a new day would begin in just a few hours. Rubbing his eyes, he looked at his new lord. Tonight he would dream of the glorious battles to come. "I believe everything happens for a reason. And that my place was here all along. Now the world shall truly know the might of Zhang Liao and the legend of Cao Cao will grow tenfold."

Hopping to his feet, Liao offered a deep respectful bow in the direction of Cao Cao. "With your permission, I will take my leave. I must return to the tavern to collect my belongings. I need to get some sleep as well. I will return here at first light. Then we may begin on the inevitable path to greatness."

If Cao Cao has no objections Zhang Liao retires for the night.