Border between Yong An and Zi Tong (Zilong's Camp)

[Zhao Yun]

After Gongsun Zan’s armies fell, Zhao Yun had no where to turn. He thought of fighting for Yuan Shao, but his heart was searching for someone else. He had met a man by the name of Liu Bei while fighting under Zan and they instantly had a connection between them. However, Liu Yan was growing powerful in the west and he could be the one to unite all of China. Seeing as how the two lords were family, serving one of them made sense to Yun.

He stood at the edge of his small encampment. His 2000 soldiers were tending to other issues, such as a fire and food. Some small animals, hunted nearby, as well as rations purchased from a few cities along the way were enough for now. The small group had traveled south through Wei territory after leaving Yuan Shao’s lands. They moved through Wan as well and then into Yong An.

It was said that the famed brothers Zhang Fei and Guan Yu were under Liu Bei’s command. The three together would be a match for any force throughout the land if they only had a talented strategist. Zhao Yun was not the strategist type, though he was certainly crafty enough to survive in war. If he did decide to join Liu Bei, it would be tough to overcome them.

The moon was gleaming in the sky and illuminating the camp. The fire was also burning brightly and Yun grew slightly concerned about drawing too much attention. They were currently unaligned with any particular force and could be taken as a threat. He hoped that no night patrols were being conducted while they were in the area.

Either way, he would have to make a decision soon about his future.

[Guan Yu]

Preceeded by this post in the Palace.

Within three hours of the notification Guan's army was a mere distance away from the 'enemy' encampment. Seeing torces in the distance and the moonlight making out the shape of an encampment Guan drew up his men in a line and marched forward stopping outside of the assumed archer's range.

Guan rode forward and observed the camp. Seeing no banners signifying Liu Yan's army he became puzzled, he shouted to the camp, "Guan stands here! Who's army dares to intrude on our borders! Show yourself enemy general!" Guan stood on alert his mighty Guandao held under his arm, angled ready, his archers ready to unleash a swarm of bolts, awaiting the response of the unidentified camp.

[Norion]

Xiang Shimazu was in Zi Tong, enjoying himself and having some personal, quality time with some of the citizens of Zi Tong. They sat in the tavern, laughing and enjoying themselves as one normally would. However, Xiang knew something was amiss when one of the soldiers stationed in Zi Tong ran into the tavern, apparently shaken up by something.

"Sir, it seems there is a strange encampment outside of Zi Tong. We heard Guan Yu in the distance, but the encampment doesn't have Liu Bei's flag."

Xiang sat straight, knowing the time for fun was over. He motioned for the tavern owner to bring him his spear, and ready his horse.

"Troops, ready yourselves. Keeper, if you have a white cloth, I would appreciate it. If I send my horse back without me... charge."

He knew that if Guan Yu hadn't attacked yet, this man didn't seem to mean any harm. He exited the tavern, and tied the cloth to his spear. He then mounted his horse, and looked at where the soldier pointed; off in the distance, he could see a large number of soldiers setting up camp. Were they rogue? Or did they have a leader?

Xiang rode out, waving the white flag. If they were normal troops, he would have no trouble dealing with some of them before leaving. He would never actually have his troops come to his defense... he had too much pride for that. He reached the edge of this rogue encampment, and held the white flag for them to see.

"I come bearing no ill intentions. I simply wish to know your meaning in the vicinity of Zi Tong. If you have a leader, I would most like to speak with him."

He probably would have been harsher, but if Magashi had taught him anything it was about feeling through a situation. At this point, he didn't see any archers, and Xiang's horse was fast enough to ride away quickly if these men proved to be violent.

"Please inform your leader, if there is one, that I am Xiang Shimazu, servant to Lord Liu Yan. And if there are any ill intentions, allow me the opportunity to evacuate the city."

[Zhao Yun]

Only the crackling of a fire and leisure chatter of soldiers could be heard throughout the area. However, soon there was commotion coming from the east. It seemed Zhao Yun's fear had been realized and he cursed his choice of position for a camp.

A guard ran through the camp as fast as possible and bowed low before reporting in.

"Sir, there is a sizeable army headed this way."

Zhao Yun turned and shook his head. He wanted only to lay in wait and let his men recover before moving out. He was unsure of who to join so maybe it was fate that one of Shu's generals had approached him.

Shortly after Yun was informed, his men began to form up outside the encampment. He had 2000 soldiers present, one group was comprised of 1000 men with swords the other with 1000 bows.

War drums began to sound in the rear of Zhao Yun's lines and a moment later the army spread at the center. The warrior rode forward and then pulled the reins of his steed. The army closed up behind him and a steady nervousness began to overcome them once they realized who was across the field.

Zhao Yun's silver armor was magnificent and it shined like a beacon of strength in the night. He flailed his spear around in a display of weapon mastery and then addressed the newcomer.

"Guan Yu, it is an honor to be in your presence. Your brother, Liu Bei, is a great man and I respect him."

By now, Yun's men were beginning to fear an engagement with such a legendary commander. They did, however, know that their leader was a most skilled warrior and certainly one of the best in single combat. Still, they were deep within another kingdom's land and did not have enough supplies to withstand repeated assaults.

There was, of course, the option of moving in Liu Yan's kingdom hoping for aid if Guan Yu had ill intentions.

"Your reputation is one of great power, but also honor. Do you wish my men harm?"

Zhao Yun awaited for Guan Yu's response. He did not want to fight, but he would if necessary. Yun was not scared of anyone.

Ironically, from the west came another group under one of Liu Yan’s men. Both situations that Yun had envisioned were unfolding right before his eyes.

Another guard made haste toward the front and called out to his leader. He reported the other group behind them and soon the situation was becoming dire. That is, if Zhao Yun and his men were seen as a threat.

The envoy Shimazu had arrived only a minute too late so he would have to wait. He was informed that Zhao Yun was busy at the moment and he would be seen if battle did not ensue.

[Norion]

"Oh, he's busy...? That's cool. You guys want to hear some jokes?"



Xiang proceeded to telling fucking awesome jokes to any soldiers who wanted to hear them while he waited.

[Guan Yu]

Guan Yu's expression relaxed and lowered his blade. Clasping his hands in a warriors salute to Zhao Yun he said, "It has been many a year since we last had the honour of meeting Zilong." Guan Yu's tone hardened as he said his answered the question put before him with his own question, "My duty is to defend this land for my brother, we have known each other for many years, but what brings you to Yong'an bearing so many arms?" Guan Yu then noticed a soldier run up to Zilong and report something. Suspicion was planted, but rather than be hasty, Guan awaited Zhao's reply, hopefully his aim was peaceful.

[Zhao Yun]

Zhao Yun was impressed by Guan Yu's loyalty to his brother, Liu Bei, but he was not suprised and expected nothing less. Not only was Yunchang known for his physical prowess, but he was also honorable and above all loyal. Liu Bei was a lucky man for he had two great warriors fighting alongside him.

"Yunchang, I come in peace and wish to meet with your brother. I simply ask that you grant my men a safe night so that we may meet with Liu Bei tomorrow."

If Guan Yu would agree to his terms, Zhao Yun would meet with the Shu leader the next day. He could then meet with Shimazu of Liu Yan's force to see what they had to offer. For all he knew, they could be hostile.

[Guan Yu]

Guan Yu was relieved, he replied to Zilong at once, "If such is your wish I will let Lord Liu know of your intentions. Right now he is in Xinye however, but no doubt he will want to see you also, I'll sent a man to inform right away." Guan shouted to his soldiers to pull out. "Come to Yong'an when you are ready to talk, Lord Liu will be with us in a few days." Guan bowed from his saddle and departed with the army, leaving Zilong at peace, but remaining on guard as he returned.

[Zhao Yun]

Zhao Yun nodded to Guan Yu in thanks and then bowed in return when the Shu general turned to leave. He then ordered his soldiers to turn and face Liu Yan's men.

The soldier that was standing with Shimazu, listening to some offensive jokes, waved the envoy forward to meet with his leader.

Zhao Yun dismounted from his horse and moved toward the visitor.

"What are your intentions here? I wish Liu Yan no harm and apologize if I have caused any strife in your city. I simply want to meet with an old friend."

The soldiers went back to what they were doing prior to Shimazu's arrival. Some were sleeping and others were guarding. Talk of Guan Yu's deeds began to circulate around the camp fire and other conversations were about the great talent under Liu Yan's command. One could only wonder how long the two forces would be friendly toward one another in such times of chaos and betrayal.

[Norion]

"So, how many Yuans does it take for them to declare themselves Emperor? Oh, sorry..."

Xiang immediately knew the man who was speaking was the leader. It was obvious that his spear was bigger than the others, both literally and figuratively. I'm referring to the size of Zhao Yun's penis, for those who didn't get it.

"I should ask you the same question, sir. Oh... an old friend? That's straight, nigga dude. In these times, friendship and family is just as important as the size of your dick army. Listen, your fame stat is zero, so I have no idea who you are."

Xiang stuck out his massive, metaphor-filled hand for the man he didn't know.

"My name's Xiang Shimazu. Pleasure to meet you, sir."

[Zhao Yun]

Zhao Yun bowed to Shimazu and nodded in agreement with his comment about friends and family. Yun's guard was still trying to figure out the Yuan joke while moving back to position.

"So, you are either here to warn me about being too close to Zi Tong or coming to try and seek my service for your lord."

Please be straight forward, Shimazu, as I have things to do. I apologize for the 'blunt'ness but I am tired after traveling a great distance.

[Norion]

"Straight to the point, I like that. Alright, I'll skip the formalities and get right to the point. I've never seen you before, but you've got balls talking to me like that, and you've got troops which means your at least some sort of leader. I noticed Guan Yu was here... which means I'm assuming you're considering joining Liu Bei?"

Xiang Shimazu chuckled softly as he eyed the man. Xiang towered over the man by a good 7 inches, and matched his weight and them some. Yet, this man was not physically intimidated by Xiang. Was it a facade for his soldiers? Xiang didn't know, but this man was interesting.

"Now, please excuse me for being blunt. Liu Bei is a wonderful man from what I hear, but he is not the leader a... warrior of your calibre needs. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei... they're being held back by Liu Bei. Liu Yan's ideals are just as philanthropic, but he follows through. You seem like a warrior who liked to test himself. I guarantee you Liu Yan has more to offer you than Liu Bei. I bet my pride, and the life of my brothers on it."

[Zhao Yun]

Zhao Yun was quite impressed by Shimazu's approach. For such a large man he certainly had a way with words which was uncommon in these times. Usually, men well versed in conversation and political matters were frail and not the types that tried their hand at battle. Shimazu though, seemed to be a bit of both.

Was Liu Yan the type of man that could draw in such talented individuals? Maybe there was a spot for Zhao Yun in such a kingdom, but maybe not. There was something between Liu Bei and Zhao Yun that was not there between the latter and Liu Yan. Yun and Bei had met each other years ago when the Yellow Turban Rebellion was underway. It could not be explained, but there was an instant bond between them.

Zhao Yun listened to Shimazu carefully, but certainly did not agree with the man's description of Xuande. Rumors told of a humble yet noble man with ties back to the Han itself. Men of talent flocked to Bei as well and they were far from ordinary. It was said that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were equal to 1000 warriors each.

Still, Zhao Yun was intrigued by this Liu Yan character and hoped to meet with him at some point.

"You truly believe that Liu Yan is more worthy than Liu Bei?"

Zhao Yun paused for a moment and thought over what was being said. Even if he did not believe it personally, it did not mean that it was not true.

"Shimazu, I have promised to meet with Guan Yu and Liu Bei in the morning. However, if they do not seem like the men that I have imagined, or heard, then I shall come to Cheng Du and meet with your lord."

Zhao Yun bowed to the man and awaited a response. If Liu Yan had other men like Shimazu, they could be a force to be reckoned with.

[Norion]

Xiang bowed as well, smiling pleasantly as he did so. This man seemed smart enough, and it was hard to find that nowadays.

"It's not what I believe, it's the truth. I saw the way you spoke with Guan Yu; I can only assume you've met him before, it was much more cordial than our little back-and-forth. I'm expecting that you've either already met Liu Bei, or Guan Yu has told you a great deal about him. Liu Bei is unnaturally charismatic, it makes perfect sense warriors of such stature would flock to him like mice to cheese. Liu Bei can feed their ego... but Liu Yan feeds you in ways Liu Bei cannot. I will not lie to you, I once thought of joining Liu Bei. But my brothers convinced me to join Lord Liu Yan, and I've grown. You will, too. Well, if you join Liu Yan that is. Now, if I may take my leave, I have a city to return to."

Xiang bowed once more, and turned to leave. However, he stopped, after chuckling to himself ever-so slightly. He turned back to face Zhao Yun once more.

"Although I have yet to recieve the privilege of facing either of Zhang Fei or Guan Yu, I have heard their reputation. It may be bold of me, but I would be willing to bet my spear that the Demon of Ba Shu could best them both individually. I trust you to make the right decision, and listen to your brain rather than your heart. Or vice-versa. Listen to whichever one tells you to join Liu Yan."

With a small wink, Xiang re-mounted his horse and rode to Zi Tong. All was well, and all was fair in love and war.

[Zhao Yun]

Deep down Zhao Yun had already made up his mind, but he was more than impressed with Shimazu and looked forward to seeing him again. The Demon of Ba Shu was being named amongst some of the strongest across the land, so it would be interesting to see who this man was. Zilong himself was no rookie to combat and had slain many a men before this day, but even he could not compare to the likes of Yunchang or Yide. He could have laughed at Shimazu’s comment, but he never underestimated another and by the way Shimazu carried himself it may be true; though highly unlikely.

“Whatever happens, Shimazu, it was an honor to meet you” he said, bowing to the envoy of Liu Yan. Things could have turned out different, with a three way fight, but all went well and Zhao Yun and his men would be able to sleep well.

“Maybe I will see you in Zi Tong….”

With that said, Zhao Yun turned as well and walked back into his camp. The men were still by the fire and others were sleeping, but many were trying to ease drop on the conversation.

Tomorrow the soldiers would stay in the camp while Zilong would go and meet with Guan Yu and Liu Bei.

*very nice post Norion*