Meeting on the River (Liu Biao)

[Sun Ce]

Zhang Zhao had gave him the message that he was required to tie up loose ends with the Alliance, when he was meeting Ji Xiaolian. He would of departed then, but then his sister arrived, so he left the city in his sister's capable hands and boarded his boat where Zhang Zhao said he'll met him.

Once Sun Ce was onboard, Zhang Zhao nodded to the officers who took away the walking platform and lifted up the anchor to begin the sail towards Jiang Ling. Once all was done, he turned round ready to greet Sun Ce when he would arrive on top deck to see it all.

Even after boarding the boat, all ship crew moved about and begun launch already and was about to ask when he looked up and saw Zhang Zhao at the top nodding to the members of the ship crew to carry out their work. He made his way to the top deck then turned to Zhang Zhao, "So what do you have to report to me Master Zhao?", knowing that they must be on their way to Liu Biao.

Zhang Zhao stroked his beard, "In the Palace, I mentioned we needed you to tie up on the Alliance. What I did not mention is that on my journey to see Lord Biao, I noticed he took your father's old prefecture of Chang Sha, as I had to pass through there to get to Xiang Yang".

Sun Ce nodded without showing any emotion, as it was now his job to unite the two forces. His father once allied with Yuan Shu which was strange as it was Shu's fault for not supplying his troops, but even after the attack on his father, Sun Ce felt strong that he and Liu Biao could put aside the past and to look for a better future. "Chang Sha is part of the Chu Province, so I have no quarrel over that, even if it was my father's. It is my duty to unite Jiangdong. Taking Chang Sha would be bad for us anyway as it paints a false picture about us and could be seen as invading Chu. I too share the same common belief to take away the corrupt, and like my father, I wish to serve the Han as my father did, so let us hope this meeting goes well".

Zhang Zhao bowed, "I am pleased to hear that your attitude is strong in showing you really forgive Liu Biao. In any case, what is the past stays in the past and makes no difference here. The land is torn and needs to be sealed together. May this Alliance be fruitful and help sew the holes that we face". He lifted himself up again and looked forward awaiting Lord Biao's arrival, as the ship was moving as fast as it could.

[Liu Biao]

Sun Ce's ship was not the only one to cut across the small waves on he river near Jiang Ling. Another craft flying the teal banner of Jing Zhou glided across the water towards them. The ship was of nearly equal size, the two were even for want of a better word. It was not only the sailors of Jiang Dong that knew how to crew a ship, nore were the only ones with a navy on these rivers.

Liu Biao imperial proctor of Jing Zhou sat on the fore deck of the ship sitting down at a small table drinking tea with one of his men. Cheng Liu was his name, a commander in the Jing Zhou army who usually received the task that required digression or cat like cunning. He was a big man with a long sword strapped to his waist. His presence was a comfort to Liu Biao when he was about to meet such a fabled warrior as Sun Ce.

"My lord i have heard rumor that Sun Ce traded the prized imperial seal to Yuan Shu the traitor in return for his land and troops. How can we possible consider allying with such a man." Cheng Liu asked leaving his tea untouched as he glared across the waves at the Sun family vessel. It was clear he had some reservations as did his lord.

"This is true and it was not really his to trade either. However he made have had no choice remember he was a lord without a land or troops. That does not make it right but perhaps he can atone for it." Liu Biao pointed our taking a sip of his tea, it was still warm. He sighed sitting back as there ships got closer his men had raised a white flag to show they meant no harm. As the ships got closer together he stood and moved to he side of the vessel. It was time to meet face to face with Sun Ce.

[Sun Ce]

As Sun Ce looked forward from the top deck, seeing Liu Biao's ship approaching, he wondered what would come out during this meeting. Out of his own good will, he was willing to forgive the actions that Liu Biao's forces had done, but he also knew that both sides have guilt, which would be likely to be brought up in this meeting aswell as his actions that he had to do to get to where he was now. All that would happen in this meeting, was to bring the past to the present before laying the grounds to clear the slate clean so they could work together. Though he would bring back memories that he'd rather forget, it would hopefully be worthwhile in the end for both sides.

Zhang Zhao stood on the deck as he looked forward towards Lord Biao's ship. This meeting would indeed be an opportunity for both rulers to tidy up any issues they had. It would also be an opportunity for them to put aside their differences and to be able to make a wave. A faint smile appeared on his face, seeing they were on the river, which made this meeting very appropriate.

Once the boats were neck and neck, Sun Ce was beside Zhang Zhao, who both walked to the top of the boat till they were face to face with Liu Biao and his companion. It was unsure where they would be seated, whether they would be on their boat or they board their boat.

Sun Ce soon answered that when he stepped forward, "Permission to come aboard your vessel", seeing it was he that asked for the Alliance, so it was only right that he enters his boat raher than having him enter his.

Zhang Zhao smiled, as he stood behind him and gave a gently nod to Liu Biao who he had not saw for a few days now.

[Liu Biao]

Liu Biao noticed that Cheng Liu was holding himself stiffly as the boats came close together. He knew that behavior it was like he expected an attack any second now. He sighed he wondered what it was like being that paranoid all the time.

"Relax, look they are even coming over now." Liu Biao said as his men lowered a plank between the ships as a walkway for Sun Ce and Zhang Zhao.

His men had set up a large conference table in the center of his ship on deck. It had 4 chairs for them all and ample wine and food set by the side if they were wanted. It seemed Liu Biao anticipated this would be a long discussion.

"Permission granted Sun Ce." Liu Biao said as he returned Zhang Zhao's nod. His men stepped aside to allow them onto the ship. Liu Biao and Cheng Liu too two of the seats at the table.

"So i think we have much to talk about." Liu Biao said his eyes flicking from one man to the other. It was time to get answered to those unanswered questions.

[Sun Ce]

Once the plank was put inbetween the boats, Sun Ce smiled towards the men and to Liu Biao, "Thank you", as he and Zhang Zhao behind him, walked across the plank leaving the comfort of their boat to Liu Biao's boat, hoping they would be returning with good news, as their ship crew tended to keeping the deck clean and the ship - ship shape.

They both followed Liu Biao and his currently unknown companion to a conference room in the middle of the ship. As they took the two chairs on one side of the table, Sun Ce and Zhang Zhao took the two chairs on the other side. This certainly would be a long and interesting meeting.

Zhang Zhao glanced over the table seeing all the wine and food, but no tea. Even though he was under Sun Ce, he considered himself a mediator as he has already met Liu Biao, as he strokes his beard and says, "First of all, I shall request that both sides remember that we are looking towards our future, not glancing back at the past. Though it will be needed to answer each other's questions, respect for the other needs to be addressed. What I am saying may not be needed to be heard by either of you but I must say", he paused, "Now, let us introduce ourselves so we are familiar with each other, even if we do know, it is a nice way to begin".

Sun Ce nodded as he heard Master Zhao speak. Since he had begun his leadership, he has respected his advice, and will continue to do so. He turned to Liu Biao then to officer beside him whose name will soon be revealed, "The name's Sun Ce and this is Zhang Zhao", as he looked up to Master Zhao before returning to face the two opposite him.

[Liu Biao]

Liu Biao picked up a peach from the table biting into the juicy fruit as he waited for Sun Ce and his envoy to take there seat. He thought it a little pointless to introduce themselves but if they wanted to go threw the court formalities they would not find Liu Jingsheng lacking. He did of course not bow although Cheng Liu inclined his head polity to Sun Ce. Once they were all sat down they could begin.

His men on deck pulled on some cords and pole's and soon a massive tent had unfurled down in the middle of the deck around the table. It would make things more comfortable if they were going to be at this for a while.

"Well said Zhang Zhao." Liu Biao commented waving a arm to his man to introduce him. "This is my commander Cheng Liu and of course i am Liu Biao of Jing." He sat down deciding to cut it a little short they already probably knew a lot about each other after all.

"I am glad to finally meet the son of the tiger in person." He said sitting back in his chair. He finished eating his peach as he waited for Sun Ce to speak first. He was the one seeking an alliance after all. Cheng Liu was silent just watching.

[Sun Ce]

After everyone introduced themselves, it was now a perfect time to begin the negotiations. Seeing Liu Biao had not said anything yet, meant it would be them to start, so Sun Ce smiled and turned to them, "It is a pleasure to meet you Liu Biao, in a much more friendlier fashion", as his last encounter was when he had to take over command from his father and ordered a retreat, "Before I was fighting against you for my father who suffered by death, I wish to make amends and join our two forces together. The past is the past and both sides done wrong, including my father, but I wish to put that aside and as Master Zhao says, make two billows a wave", he paused, "I am guessing you may have questions, so if you do need answers, then feel free to ask so we can put aside our differences and make a difference".