Friends with Savages

[Alfie]

They quickly made their way through the outskirts of Jian Ning, Yan Yan and his freshly recruited troops, still with the excited looks on their faces as they are faced with fresh adventure… How quaint. It won’t take long for their childish viewpoints on the war to be swept from under them, in fact – that will be accomplished by the time the mission is complete. Lord Liu Yan had given his trusted officer vital orders within the walls of the Palace of Cheng Du, and Yan Yan was damn sure going to carry them out – or suffer the fair consequence, though he was confident it wouldn’t have to come to this. The troops were told to be on alert before they entered the Jian Ning region, though apparently these orders had fallen on to deaf ears as the men bickered among themselves like headless chickens – this needed to be rectified quickly.

”SILENCE! I have given my orders and they WILL be carried out, lest you want my blade buried through your neck for treachery?”

The silence was quick to overcome the soldiers, many of them questioned whether he was serious – not one was stupid enough to ask. Yan Yan isn’t a callous man, he simply adapts an effective ‘hands on approach’ method to his actions that Liu Yan puts his faith behind.

It was not hard to make out the tribal encampments when the army got close enough, they were relatively large and plentiful, and although disguised to an extent, it would be an impossible task to prevent people from discovering them with a thorough search. Yan Yan slowed the march of his army – suggesting peace rather than hostility in his motives – and dismounted, leading his horse by the reigns the last two hundred or so metres to what could loosely be described as an entrance. He knew as an outsider he would not simply be allowed to stroll right through and enjoy the scenery – as pleasant as it was – and Yan Yan merely waited for one of the many men to come forward and question his purpose for coming.

[Emperor Feng]

Yan Yan would not wait for long in the jungles of the south.

He had come with a peace-intensive force, and because of that the Nanman people were not afraid of their presence here in Nanzhong, after all – they too sought co-existence with the people of the north.

“Why you here?” A loud voice erupted from one of the small platoons of tribesmen that had gathered, and a large figure pushed through a small crowd. Yan Yan was surrounded, but not by warriors and soldiers – but by women, children and animals. The people of Nanzhong flocked to Yan Yan in curiosity, and bewilderment.

“Have we suffered not!” He continued, leading the fore until he had reached Yan Yan’s position.

“You people of Jian Ning take what is ours. Earth!” He gestured his arms out as he spoke, his words dwarfed by the thick accent of the southern regions. He was not a native speaker to Yan Yan, as his words were echoed by a sway of some linguistic form beyond that of china’s.

“Earth! Given by nature!” He turned to his people, and they cheered slightly at his wording. They ushered words in a variety of dialects, before easing their tongues once more.

“What seek a man of the north?”

The crowd settled, and all eyes peered to Yan Yan. Things were about to get very complicated in Nanzhong.

(sorry it’s poor. But I wanted to have fun with the nanman.)

[Alfie]

Yan Yan was pleased with the quick reaction to his presence that the Nanman provided; he was simply not in the mood to wait around for too long. It surprised him to an extent how the tribesman were behaving around him and his men – he expected a more withdraw, fearful approach of the ‘bad Northern men’ though it became abundantly clear that rumours of their feelings towards their neighbours were heavily exaggerated. The women were wearing minimal cloth, revealing their breasts – among other things – as they surrounded the peaceful army, along with the men and children of the encampment. Some of Yan Yan’s men were clearly sexually urged by these practically naked women, as was Yan Yan himself, but a simple gesture towards them successfully kept them in check. His voice was deep and loud, making clear his impressions towards the Northern man.
“We are not men of Jian Ning, we have not taken from you. But we want to give back what is rightfully yours. I reign from Cheng Du, as do my men, and we were sympathetic to your cause as soon as we heard how those with power in Jian Ning treat you. This land is for everybody, not simply for those who pretend to speak in the name of the Han. And we want what you want, to live among each other in peace and prosperity. Lord Liu Yan seeks friendship with your fine people. And we are determined to improve your situation, should you want our assistance?”

[Once again, not a great post. But the task itself will be long and I didn't want to 'over-RP' such a small space of time, chronologically. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.]

[Emperor Feng]

The large man beckoned a grunt to the man’s words and nodded. It had been a long time since there had been conversations arise between the northern armies and those to the south, so he had nodded deeply – an offering of peace and acceptance.

“Then bring you to chief I will.”

He made a small roaring sound with his throat and clasped a fist to his torso, “Follow.”

The act of thumping was a sign, it represented peace or harmony to the southern tribes and was only ever used to demonstrate their goodwill. It was a rarity, but Yan Yan had spoken clearly and loudly, and for that the Nanman people showered him with praise, after all – they had tired quickly of his northern counter-parts, and the sooner the land was returned back to normal the better.

The large man carried his weight diligently, running and leaping as branches, logs and bush prevented passage. He had grown up in these remote lands, and had trekked and scouted for his village for nearly ten years. He turned only a few times to see if Yan Yan had kept up with his pace.

“King Chief will see you now.”

He smiled as Yan Yan paused for breath, before turning back and running once more. The city was small – but its cabins and huts were of fine quality. The Nanman had never learned how to use clothes and natural materials like the northern empires, and so their villages were all of wooden origin, with stakes and palisade fences erected around their small perimeter. The chief cabin stood in the centre of the small village, dwarfed only by the great forest that stretched out and spanned across the entire village.

“Bow to King Chief. We of different custom to you.”

He smiled a final time before retreating. He would not return today, but as he left and as Yan Yan found himself alone in a village, another, much larger man made an appearance. He wore a ragged animal fur coat with beads hanging across his neck. He was nearly two feet taller than Yan Yan, and walked with the grace of an old warrior-king.

“You must be Yan Yan of Cheng Du,” he spoke fluently as he nodded his head, and then gestured for Yan Yan to follow him into the cabin. “I have refreshments should you so desire them, but first let us discuss why you are here.”

He led the way, bowing down passed the doors smaller frame before erecting his stature once more. His cabin looked too small for such a beastly warrior, but he did not seem to mind.

“Duosi informs me of your intention, and it is true that those of Jian Ning have pushed us aside. It is with regret that you come to me, for my tribe have already sought justice to those that have banished us from our own cities and lands.”

He poured a purple liquid into two small goblets and passed one to Yan Yan, “It is a vintage wine of sorts, maybe it is too bitter, or sweet for a man of the North.”

He smiled, downed his goblet and then re-filled it. “I am Meng Huo, king of the Nanman in Jian Ning and Yun Nan. So tell me, how will you help us in our plight.”

[Alfie]

As Yan Yan was asked to follow the behemoth of a man, he turned to his men and told them to remain where they were and to stay out of trouble. He did not doubt that these Nanman people would end anybody who offended them in their own territory. As he turned back, the man was already on the move, hurriedly making his way through countless amounts of foliage, leaving Yan Yan around ten metres behind in his pathetic attempt to keep up.

King Chief will see you now

These words were music to Yan Yan’s ears as he bent over and breathed heavily to try and regain some of the oxygen he had lost in what could only be described as a race. Shortly after, he was instructed to bow to their King – following this advice the man was gone, with just as much haste as before.

You must be Yan Yan of Cheng Du

The voice was deep and strong, fitting of a King of such fine warriors. Immediately Yan Yan remembered what was said to him, he bowed deeply to the colossal man that stood before him as he followed him into the cabin. While the Nanman King speaks, he listens politely, making sure he doesn’t miss a single word that comes out of his mouth in an attempt to avoid any signs of disrespect. He thanks the King graciously when offered the goblet and takes a large sip of the beverage, smiling and nodding to let him know that it is appreciated. Indeed it is sweeter than Yan Yan was used to, though it was still a very enjoyable drink and, after the little jog through the forest, it was much appreciated.

“I am Meng Huo, king of the Nanman in Jian Ning and Yun Nan. So tell me, how will you help us in our plight.”

Yan Yan then downs his own goblet and speaks:

”Well, it is a rather simple approach that I intend to take… I shall send word into the city offering them the chance to atone for their... sins, so to speak. Should they refuse… Well, then I will force them to oblige. Do you have any qualms with this idea, King?”

Yan Yan bows a final time when directing the question at the King, and awaits a response

[Tan Zhi Han]

A squad had been dispatched to find Yan Yan. Upon arrival, Yan Yan's forces were easy to spot. The cavalry bannerman reach the army and identified someone who seemed to be in charge.

"We come from Tan Zhi Han's unit at the city. We wish to inform Commander Yan Yan our situation and take his intent back to our army. Please bring us to him."

[Emperor Feng]

The patrolling guards of the tribe looked to each other wondering why one of Northerners were searching for their comrade, was a superior not informed of what was happening?.. With a shrug, they were soon to approach the new unit when they were flanked by a fierce looking group, cowering they split to make way for them. At the lead was a youthful woman of a dark complexion, her features seemed to show her deep southern origins; following the warrioress was a small contingent of Amazons..who were more feared than their male counterpart. "Why do you come here to check on your partner? Do you not trust our people to be hospitable?" It was clear there was a dislike for those of the Han, but it was understandable..being brandished as uncivilised when they showed more civil manners than those of the mainland; for their own state was yet to be tainted with corruption. The booming voice of the woman was a clear link to the ruling cheiftan of the Nanman, the beautiful daughter of King Meng; Huaman... Crossing her arms, the armour clad woman stared upon the man before her..waiting to see his excuse, believing an insult would be placed before her..

Within the camp, the Cheiftan Meng was given no quarter to answer the guest from the North by the entrance of an allusive figure; one who may have no been known. The brown curled hair was placed within a bun, being held together by a feathered headdress and tribal markings upon the skin; which, there was a lot on show for ones who were not used to the Nanman ways. The oiled armour was placed in the vital areas, other than that it was mere clothing used to covering her decency; indeed a fine side to behold. It was clear that Meng Huo was taken by the figure, while almost fearing the presence of the woman; Queen fo the Nanman, Zhurong..known to be a descendant of the fire God, who her name had been given. A firey war maiden, whose voice was authoratative and sharp; to place any man to shame. "So, you wish to take the region with our help stating to be of peace, but then enslave us under another regime?" An eyebrow raised, her intelligence was far different from her husband's..a vantage point that did not come into the Cheiftan's mind. Behind Zhurong, was the reknowned Amazon warrioresses, powerful in every sence of the word; trained personally by the Madame of the Nanman. "Do not play us a fool Master Yan, you come acting as if we are not brethren; are we not of the same land? We are people who have suffered constantly under your ruling house. Your Liege is one too, a Liu is he not? Tell me, what difference would be made; trading a Liu for another Liu?" Gesturing to his constant bowing, the firey Queen seemed not impressed by the elloquent words he spoke..to gain the favour of the Nanman, it was not the King one would have to impress; but the King's wife...

[Tan Zhi Han]

The messenger was surprised by the woman. Not that the Nanman amazons had caught them by surprise, but that the Nanman were in fact women. The campaigns in the north against the Yellow Turbans had revealed to the man that women were much the warrior men were, but still. This messenger dismounted immediately, and bowed to the woman who radiated authority.

"My intention was not to question your hospitality, nor place any doubt on the question of trust. I have come to set up communications between the vanguard forces and the rest of the army. The vanguard is in position, and waits for word from Chieftain Meng Huo and general Yan Yan.”

Tan Zhi Han had trained the army well. They were efficient, disciplined, and tough. But the one thing most of these men had not learned was dishonesty. Most of these young men had been sailors, soldiers, hoodlums, and the like before joining Han. Now, the messenger told the strong figure what he had been told. The squad waited for the woman to respond.

[Alfie]

Before Meng Huo could respond to Yan Yan’s vague – but effective – strategy, another person entered the cabin. A woman well built yet still beautiful by any man’s standards. The entrance of this woman seemed to immediately scrap the calm, friendly discussion that was taking place as she threw accusations at him. It had become clear by the King’s reaction to her being here that she had the balls out of the two as he practically cowered away and allowed her to interrogate his guest. It was unusual to Yan Yan that a woman would be the more dominant, though they did indeed have their own customs – which had now become abundantly clear.

”I can only assume that you are the Queen of the Nanman people?” Yan Yan asks, raising a single brow ”I understand that you are suspicious of the Northern people, after the disrespect and lack of consideration that those of Jian Ning have shown you. All you can take is my word for now, but my Lord Liu Yan would not allow you to be alienated any longer – he wants us all to live in peace and harmony together. That is the difference between my Lord in comparison to many other of the Liu kin”

[Emperor Feng]

The warrioress listened to the man's words, the Amazon guards looked rather doubtful of any situation; especially when the words of troops being in position came into question. If that was right, they the Nanman would have moved to the defence to any threat of their land. "Fine, follow me. I shall take you to see my parents." Who knew, before him was royalty among the Nanman; daughter of Meng Huo and Zhurong, Huaman. A sigh left her lips, not caring too much for the Northern General making his way through the camp; the differences had yet to be balanced within her..being influenced by the stories of hold to fuel the dislike of today.

The Queen was flattered that he knew of her and quite impressed aswell, though wondered what the North had heard of such a Queen?.. Nonetheless, his words made sense and Zhurong could tell that everything was being chosen just in the correct manner..not to insult of course, this simply entertained the Queen more. "You speak some truth-" Turning to face the entrance, a smile approached as the eyes gazed upon another beauty; one familiar of features to the King. "There is a man from the North, he said he has dealings with your guest." He was ushered in and the Queen turned to look at Meng, a scornful look of letting these men into their territory..once one came others would flood in and attempt to take what wasn't rightfully theirs.. "Thank you daughter."

Zhurong's eyes trailed over the new visitor and then back to Yan. "Is this man of your stock?..if so, why is he here?" The voice had become more untrusting of the Northerners, it seemed she had been reeled in by Yan Yan, until this new visitor appeared..why was one sent and then another sent. "Anyway, are you saying that if this Liu Yan takes over that ruling fool.. We would gain, no..retain..the rights of our lands, as we deserve?" Phoenix eyes and voice of a tiger, a jewel indeed Meng had found for a wife..she was being pushed, and into the right direction to add..all was needed was for Yan to persuade her more; the final wieght upon the oxen to make it collapse...

[Tan Zhi Han]

(I'd like to point out that the man representing my army is just a sergeant, nobody special...)

The sergeant's men waited outside as he was brought into the tent. The sergeant bowed to all present, paying special homage to the king and queen.

"Great King Meng Huo, and I assume Noble Queen Zhu Rong. It is this nobody's greatest honor to be in thy presence."

After showing obeisance, the sergeant bowed to Yan Yan last.

"General Yan Yan, an honor.

The sergeant looked to everyone, and knelt to report his mission.

"I have a report from Commander Tan Zhi Han for everyone here. He has reached the city, and awaits the decision from everyone here as to what our coordinated plan of action will be."

The messenger remained knelt and awaited instruction.

[Alfie]

Just when it seemed to be going so well, the mood was effectively ruined by the entrance of a comrade of Yan Yan, just a simple sergeant given orders. Though his appearance was as vital as the meeting with the Nanman itself, and upon the words coming from the mouth of the messenger, Yan Yan had such a cunning grin planted on his face.

“Queen Zhu Rong, it is not at all that he is checking up on me. He is providing the news that I was waiting for. Another of Liu Yan’s followers has infiltrated the city, and awaits the word from us for his mission to commence. I’m not willing to allow too many losses to either of our people during this mission – and so my lord and I have thought up a strategy, with this man’s commander being a huge part of it. Though we require your trust and co-operation for this undertaking.”

Yan Yan decided not to go further with details until he was sure that the Nanman were trusting of him and his Lord. He awaited in silence, for – presumably – the King’s wife’s response.

[Shit post. But I am incredibly busy with revision for my exam tomorrow. Apologies.]

[Emperor Feng]

Listening to both men, the Queen took it upon herself to think it over a little; allowing Meng to indulge in the fine wines that was being brought to him..he knew his place, it would benefit him to remain quiet than to interrupt his wife's trail of thought; or even speech. Zhurong did not like to depend on those other than her tribe for aid, however, these Northerners had baccked them into a corner. "I shall tell you this, if you don't stick to your word.. Then don't cry to the Heavens for the misgivings of me tearing the limb for which you create offspring." The voice was severe, Meng's eyes widdened; a twinge below gave a sense that he had heard this threat before..fortunately for him, all had been delt with before that eventuality happened and the eyes spoke more than he could advise; to heed the Queen's words, as what she spoke of..she would do..

"That goes for you and your Master Tan, none of you shall be given quarter if our people are not given the rights we deserve. Understood?" Stepping forward, the foot was placed down..the bargain had been made and it would be far too dangerous for the forces of Liu Yan to turn back or fail in the side of the deal. "Understood?" The eyes spoke of a fury that no man ever wished to come across. Yet, the seriousness was broke by the gradual appearance of a coy smile; Zhurong's adrenaline for an up-coming skirmish..like the good old days where they would fight together..husband and wife, showing the might of the Nanman. "That said, what do you want us to do?.. Simply follow your lead?" Another eyebrow raise, hoping that if her words were true, it would not be the premonition of what their future held..continuously following their 'lead' while being brainwashed to think they had rights to the land they grew on...

[Tan Zhi Han]

The sergeant looked to Commander Yan Yan to make a move and for a battle plan to be discussed before reporting back to Han.

[Alfie]

Yan Yan quickly came to realize that it was important for Zhu Rong to publicly stamp her authority – her own husband allowed her to do so and Yan Yan had no intention of stopping her at this point. He listened intently to her, showing her the respect that her suggestive strength deserves. This being said, it was clear that Zhu Rong was not completely displeased by the result of the meeting, a smile becoming on her face for an unknown reason to Yan Yan.

”Actually, it’s a little more complicated than that. Tan Zhi Han is to befriend the prefect of Jian Ning. Earning his trust in the mean-time, which will require a feint attack on the city from your soldiers – assuming you are willing?” He asks, cocking an eyebrow towards the King ”Finally, we launch the true attack on the city, and while the fool in charge of the city who has shown such disrespect to you and your customs is fully unaware, Tan Zhi Han shall fell him. Does this plan seem feasible, Queen Zhu Rong?”

Yan believed the plan to be perfect; such guile was not surprising from him or his Lord. Though it would count for naught, assuming the Nanman were not appeased with the idea.