Chang Sha Palace

[Fai]

The marksman's stygian eyes rested on the warlord. His eyes remained sharp and focus, the gaze of a man prepared for anything and everything. He was well-aware of his past deeds, and he could not dismiss it. It was a part of him that he would never let go. However, Xin Fai wanted to move on to another chapter of his tale, and in order to do so, he had to leave that wolfish existence. Was he able to though? Liu Bei was a man of the people, would he accept a man who once oppressed the people?

Liu Bei started, "I can not have a man with bad karma serve me."

Xin Fai nodded in agreement, there was no helping it. Politically, it may look bad at the start to hire a no name bandit such as himself into his ranks. That did not deter the bandit leader; it merely made him determined to earn Liu Bei's favor. As he began listing the conditions of his 'redemption', Xin Fai found it fair. The construction would keep he and his men in shape. As for food, it did not bother him. As long as he was able to eat, he would be happy. Money was no concern to the archer either, he lived off of the land and had no need for displays of his fortune. He would rather use the money for more practical uses.

As the leader of Shu-Han asked if it was a fair condition, Xin Fai couldn't help but display a small, angelic smile. He nodded in agreement, but remained silent. As Liu Bei took several steps past him, Xin Fai tensed slightly at the closure of proximity between them. It wasn't that Xin Fai was suspicious of Liu Bei, it was a reflex from his training. Always secure yourself if one is too close to your body. The feeling soon past, and he relaxed. He turned around to watch as a guard entered the premises.

He studied the man closely and recognized his face as the man he had given his weapons to. Sure enough, the man had his bow, quiver, and sword. Xin Fai was not alarmed, his countenance remained passive as he continued to observe the situation at hand. The guard's face was stoic, and it was clear that he may have had experience. The soldier introduced himself as Ba Zeng when he was asked, and then handed his bow and an arrow from his quiver to Liu Bei. That was the end of Ba Zeng's importance.

Xin Fai looked at Liu Bei with a relaxed semblance. Thoughts ran through his mind as to why Bei had taken the symbol of his very nature. However, his questions were answered when Liu Bei stated, "Strike the tea cup, and I will allow you to join Shu as one of my vassals." A challenge of his skill? He couldn't help but let out a mischievous grin. He took back his weapons with a refined grace; he treasured the equipment he had and thus knew he should handle it with the utmost respect.

The archer gripped the end of the arrow and felt the smooth, wooden texture of the material he had used to create it. With his index finger, he felt the sharp edges of the arrow head and was glad that it was still in great condition. He checked his bow to see if it was strung tight enough; he always made sure in the morning, but he doublechecked to see if he was correct. Satisfied with the tightness of the string, Xin Fai twirled the arrow with the fingers of his right hand. His dexterity was great as shown by the complex movements of his fingers as it accurately moved the arrow.

Xin Fai pulled back the string of the bow with the end of the arrow. He lined up the arrowhead with the small target. From twenty feet, it didn't look like much; however, to the eyes of the hawk, it was as if it was entirely close-up. Xin Fai silently closed his eyes to meditate. There was a slight breeze from the entrance of the palace, if he were to fire, he could potentially miss the small target. Xin Fai adjusted the aim of his arrow and strengthened his grip on the arrow.

He realized that Liu Bei had given him a weapon, and that there were no guards close enough to guard him (from what he gathered) to protect him if Xin Fai suddenly decided to turn around and let loose an arrow to his chest. The bandit couldn't help but assume that the man had trusted him. Perhaps with his very life. He was in awe at the man's faith in his abilities and 'reformation'. "Lord Liu Bei. You honor me with your trust." He said swiftly and quietly that only the lord himself could hear.

The Sniper released the grip of the bow and fired. The bow's string did not twang clumsily. Instead, the strong wire cut through the air as it made a whish sound. The arrow itself was let loose as it pierced the air as well, ripping through any resistance it may have had. It hit the small target right on the mark. The cut, however, was clean. The cup was split vertically down the middle almost symmetrically. A hole was made from where the arrow had hit it, but it did not shatter as most would expect it would. The missile was stuck at the backrest of the throne. If Liu Bei were to sit down on the throne, he may have noticed the the arrow struck the area of the chair where his heart may have been.

Xin Fai lowered his bow and politely nodded his head down, "Milord. I thank you for this opportunity."

[Liu Feng]

Trust was something Liu Feng had to gain over time. The officer in training would not be eligable to participate in the annihilaton of Wei at Chibi, nor the subsequent pursuit of it's fleeing forces. Instead he was to stay behind, in Chang Sha and await orders if and when he was ever needed.

Tedious months went by when Liu Feng had little else to do but wander the streets, and find anything to pass the time. One would suspect in such times there would have been plenty to do, from guard duty, to ceremonial, or even administrative tasks, but as it was, Liu Feng was of little importance in any of these.

"You're kidding? I love poetry too!" It was on such a day Liu Feng found himself in one of the many gardens, speaking to his own flower, one particular girl of vast beauty.

The conversation progressed and progressed, from being purely friendly, to an obvious tone of flirtation within both voices. Any son of Liu Bei was sure to impress a girl in Shu land, but Liu Feng had the genuine charisma and interest, to make a deeper impact in a girl's heart than just finacial and social.

"Master Liu Feng, your father wishes to speak to you, he summons you to Chang Sha palace."

"Okay, no problem."

Inside he sighed at the prospect of having to cut short the encounter with the girl. It was one of Liu Feng's greatest weaknesses, he was easily distracted by people of the female variety and would openly admit, he loved the attention and giving it.

"I apologise Master Liu Feng, when I announced he summons you, I meant to say, he summons you immediatly."

Arrogant, stuck up, bloody palace officials... Liu Feng hated them with a passion. They were either too defensive, or poisonous. Never had he heard a so called advisor give hard, solid advice, it had and would always be down to seasoned veterans, officers and high ranking ministers to steer his father in the correct direction.

"Yeah yeah yeah, I'm coming. I do apologise if I am depriving you of your daily attention seeking with my father."

Oh yes, just another of Liu Feng's flaws - he sure couldn't handle being told what to do from anyone other than his father, or those he knew he could trust.

Minutes later the adoptive son of Liu Bei peered into the halls of Chang Sha palace, moving into the main chamber, where he had the priviledge of seeing the latest newcomer attempt to find a way into the service of his father - this time a low life bandit of all people, as if he would ever gain the honour of being a Shu officer.

"Strike the tea cup, and I will allow you to join Shu as one of my vassals"

Liu Feng looked puzzeled, and his brows furrowed in confusion and disbelief. He stepped into the chamber further, a few people catching sight of the son of their lord and nodding respectfully, before their eyes returned to the bandit archer, making his statement for work.

He pulled back the bowstring and launched the arrow onwards towards the cup, the target to his destiny. Liu Feng watched, showing little impression on his face, he would not lower his pride as such to be impressed by such a display of marksmanship for a position as important as an officer, it showed no true ability for the appointment.

Liu Feng had his reservations, but his rank was such he would have to keep his mouth shut, he had no true power in his father's actions, and if he were to speak his thoughts, he would likely than not be told to leave the chambers and be punished in some way.

"You sought me, Father?" He peered slightly lower, his father being ever so slightly smaller than his frame, after walking over to him.

Feng had been working near-tirelessly over the few months in service with Shu and his abilities had gone from strength to strength, he could only hope his father saw it and knew it, he had to rely on other people to report his progress.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei heard the silent whisper that let Xin Fai's lips, and he gave a knowing smile. Trust was the foundation of any relationship. Xin Fai's talents were truly vast, and he had just proved; his intent pure. Bei watched the arrow leave the bow in an oddly graceful way. The usual twang was replaced with a rather silent swish. It was the shot of an expert marksman.

The arrow hit the target in an unusual way, straight down vertical, the cup split in only two pieces. Liu Bei raised an eyebrow, and he gave a amused praise. He hadn't seen such marksman since, he thought for a moment, Lu Bu. Lu Bu had made Liu Bei swear an oath to retreat from Xia Pi if he could hit the shaft of a spear from the city walls. He did. It stunted Liu Bei's plans back in the day, but it was still a feat.

The Lord started to clap. His ministers, dumbfounded, followed suit.

The cup was filled to to brim with tea, and as it flowed out slowly from the broken sides. Two servants rushed to clean the mess up. A guard ran up to the bed-throne and yanked the arrow out of the redwood. He walked briskly and gave the arrow to Liu Bei.

Xin said: ""Milord. I thank you for this opportunity."

He smiled, and patted the young man on his shoulder. "And thank you, Fai, for delivering me your talents. Now, you must go and inform your men of your success." Liu Bei handed him back his arrow. Perhaps it would serve as a memento.

Then he saw his son approach him, much taller then he had last imagined. "Ah yes son, I need a word with you," Bei grabbed Feng's upper arm gently, and started to walk out when he stopped short. He squeezed Feng's arm, and then chuckled, "When did you get all this muscle?"

Liu Bei had received faint signals, especially after Chi Bi, that Liu Feng wanted to prove himself, he wanted something more than palace life. He wanted to become a man, a general, something more. Liu Bei would obliged him. Assuming Liu Feng had followed Liu Bei out of the hall, Bei walked into the garden. There were many flowers, a pond, all under the shade of many blossom trees. It was a serene sight. This was were the servants, and ministers spent their off time.

Unbeknownst to Liu Bei; Liu Feng's woman-of-interest was sitting on a bench chatting away with a maid friend of hers.

Liu Bei refrained from talking for a few moments, he walked on the wooden walkway that framed the garden, guards stood at random intervals facing outward. Bei's long elaborate robe dragged behind him, and he started hum softly to himself, as if no one else could hear.

[Fai]

The young former bandit smiled at the applause Liu Bei had started. The ministers soon followed suit, and Xin Fai was glad that he had managed to garner their attention. He was not a narcissist, but he reveled in satisfaction as he had managed to accomplish his objective. He watched as two servants seemingly appeared out of no where and began cleaning up the mess he had caused. Even though the cut was clean, it stood out immensely within the cleanliness of the decorated halls. He gazed at one man who had pulled the arrow from the throne and gave it back to his new lord.

He felt the hands of Liu Bei gently patting his shoulder. Xin Fai, although not liking to be touched, enjoyed the gesture. His smile only broadened with his kind words. He gently took the arrow from Liu Bei and placed it in his quiver. His sword was then given to him by Ba Zeng, and it was clear that he wad dismissed. He could not wait to tell his comrades, especially Lu Huo. He would be ecstatic to find that they were going to find work even if the former bandits had to forfeit a fourth of their salary, it was more than what they had gotten when they were bandits.

As he began to leave, Xin Fai took a gander at the young man that had arrived during the time of the contest. He was young, approximately around his age. He sensed the aura of a ‘prince’ or a ‘noble’ emanate from the younger man. If he had to guess, it was probably one of Liu Bei’s sons or relative. His theory was then confirmed when the man had called Liu Bei ‘father’. He had caught the man’s gaze before he had fired from the corner of his eye and knew that it was some sort of look of contempt and underestimation. However, that was only his guess. He could only guess as to what went on in a man’s heart.

Nevertheless, he had found a ‘rival’ within the new kingdom already. Perhaps he would outshine Liu Bei’s son and leave him in the shadows. With that thought in mind, he wouldn’t hesitate to play this little game of his with the young heir. He would prove that he had what it took to be an officer of Shu-Han. With one last look to the court, Xin Fai began descending the steps of the palace. It would take a few minutes before he arrived at the outer wall and exited it. He did not look back; he was more focused on something else.

“Lu Huo. Please come out.” Xin Fai said chuckling as he passed by a dark alleyway.

The young protégé, along with two stallions, stepped forth from the shadows smiling cheekily at his role model. The fourteen year old climbed up his own horse and sat upon it before speaking, “So how’d it go?”

“It went…” Xin Fai walked over to his own steed and perched himself upon it. He petted the horse gently on the neck for a brief period of time before continuing, “Well. We are now vassals of Lord Liu Bei. I had to demonstrate my marksmanship to the lord before he could accept me. Since we were former bandits, Lord Liu Bei imposed some rules upon us and the rest of our group.”

“Oh? And what is that Fai?” The young boy asked with a genuine curiosity. The horses began trotting towards the city’s gates in order to reach back into camp where the rest of the former bandits were. Xin Fai turned to the younger half-breed and sighed. He then began explaining what transpired at the palace in greater detail that ranged from his humble but clumsy introduction to his thoughts on Liu Bei’s son and the palace itself. He didn’t forget to mention the ‘rules’ for them.

The boy, more mature than those his age, stared at the ground steadily and sighed as well. “Well…even with these cuts to food and gold, we’re still living better than we were bandits. And the construction of the houses would definitely keep us in shape.”

“Indeed. However, I hope Liu Bei would allow us to go into battle soon…we must prove our might to the world Lu Huo.” With that said, Xin Fai snapped the reigns of his stallion and began galloping back to his men and to tell them of the wonderful news. They were no longer bandits, but soldiers underneath the banner of Shu-Han.

[Cao Cao]

(Lu Bu was a better archer!)

It had felt like years had passed since he had left the security of his hometown in Xu. The growing march was one that he bore with dignity, but as he neared the vast lands of Shu he could not help but feel a pang of resentment as he had failed to say goodbye to his children.

Wei diplomats had always been turned down lightly, or praised gracefully – there was no in-between settlement, and Cao Cao knew this all too well after the events of Wei Xiadi’s passing, a man who was now believed to have been killed by the hands of Wu.

It was not resentment for Wei he felt though, but instead a growing sadness as he thought of his wife and his two children. One had even learned how to walk a day before he had left, and it had left him feeling proud, hopefully he’d return to see his children talk and grow, for surely that was the best part of bringing life into this world – to watch them grow, learn and develop.

He stopped his journey at the very gates of Chang Sha and bid his head down in respect to the guards, he would have very little say to these men, but what he did have to say would be said with the utmost respect.

“Greetings and Salutations.” He bowed lower as he spoke, “I have come from Xu on order of the Imperial Secretariat to discuss a treaty between our two nations, if at all possible, I would like to seek an audience with lord Liu Bei and Prime Minister Zhuge Liang.”

[Zhuge Liang]

"Wei diplomats? Here?" Zhuge Liang stood up from his chair, raising an eyebrow and covering his mouth with his feather fan. Dozens of scrolls and other documents laid on the table in front of him. "Yes, Prime Minister! They request an audience with you and Lord Liu Bei!" a swordsman said to Kongming, kneeling in front of him. Shu's Prime Minister pondered the next course of action for a second before replying to the soldier in front of him. "Hmm... Very well, take me to them."

Minutes later, Zhuge Liang arrived to the gates of Chang Sha with 10 Swordsmen and 5 Crossbowmen behind him. Needless to say, Kongming was suspicious of the Wei Diplomats, but in times like these someone as important as the Prime Minister needed to be well protected at all times.

"Greetings." Zhuge Liang bowed down before the Wei diplomats "I'm Zhuge Liang, Prime Minister of Shu. What brings you here?"

[Cao Cao]

The diplomat bowed his head as Zhuge Liang approached him from the confines of the cities walls. He had heard tales of Zhuge Liang, but it was only now, in the flesh – that he could actually see the resemblance of what the folk-lore had said about him.

He was indeed a splendid man, with a fan high to his face and a glowing robe that reflected his aura of peace and intelligence, still – the time was not one to offer praise, it was to offer peace.

“I represent Wei in the custom of diplomacy. Cao Cao feels it is important to put aside the past, as he feels that the time of independence is over, and that the state of the warring kingdoms is about to begin. On behalf of Wei, I beseech you, for we seek to end the war that has plagued us since the beginnings of time. We feel that we can benefit mutually from this arrangement, especially concerning the events that had passed. If, your grace so permits it – I would like to discuss a possible treaty between our great nations, in hopes of bringing an end to this turbulent era and form a friendship from among those that we have both lost in our struggles. We feel it is time for a new leaf and so I come to plea my case – in hopes that a gracious man will listen to Wei’s feelings and respond with kindness and grace, rather than with hatred as was offered to us by Wu.”

He bowed low, forming a kowtow on the grass and dipped his head. He would do anything to secure this friendship, anything at all.

[Zhuge Liang]

Peace. A word that had so many meanings. A word that was so easy to understand, but at the same time it was something that was so difficult to achieve. Specially in these times of war. Kongming remained silent as the diplomat said his part, carefully listening to every word that came out from his mouth. Once the diplomat finished his part, Zhuge Liang replied with his calm voice.

"There's no need for formalities. Cao Cao speaks of peace, yet his past actions proved otherwise. Cao Cao forced Lord Liu Bei to flee and attacked him at Chang Ban. Many innocent peasants who followed Lord Liu Bei were attacked and killed by Wei troops..." Zhuge Liang turned to face the Shu troops that were behind him, fanning his face vigorously. "... One of the casualties was Lord Liu Bei's wife. Then after that, Cao Cao descended over Wu with a massive army with the sole purpose of conquest."

Zhuge Liang turned to face the envoy, this time his voice changed into a slightly more aggressive tone, pointing his feather fan at him. "You say that 'We should put aside the past' but those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. I will not, by any means, accept a fake peace offered by someone who has intentions of replacing the Han Dynasty with Wei."

"However..." Kongming added after a long silence, his voice returning to his usual calm tone and placing his feather fan on his chest "... This is Lord Liu Bei's decision, not mine."

[Cao Cao]

The diplomat did not smile at the words of Zhuge Liang, nor did he feel angry or concerned with the man who had, in a way – initiated the saga that was now to be known as the Three Kingdoms.

“And you, good sir.” He started, calmly, “You hate Wei for trying to remove an opponent that was strong. You may detest Cao Cao as a man, and spit upon his claim. But he sought the best possible solution for competition and tried to eliminate Liu Bei. Ma Teng did the same thing, he tried to eliminate Cao Cao, but in doing so he was punished – and yet his son, Ma Chao forgave Cao Cao and joined him. You say that by forgetting the past we will repeat our mistakes, but how is that true, for if we cling to it then we act only on revenge and impulse, these are not attributes that define justice.”

He bowed again, and called for his horse, “But I do not wish harm upon Shu or what it stands for, Wei, Wu and Shu – as respective nations and armies all fight, for primarily – the same thing. Cao Cao was a grand minister before the insurgence of the Turbans, he was a magistrate and he moved on to defend the Emperor, even went so far as to save his life when attacked by Li Jue, and yet now you call him someone who is ready to defile the Han – when he protected it when Liu Bei or Sun Ce could not. He has defended the rights of the Han, just as his ancestor did before him, who acted as Prime Minister of the Han Empire. Cao Cao is not an evil man – but he pushed for the dream of tranquillity and order. Surely you see this, for his people are happy, as are yours.”

He mounted his horse and opened out his arms in an expressive manner, “You speak as if Cao Cao is evil, and yet who was it that betrayed Wu and took Jing from under their noses, you acted on impulse to create an empire, now you move west, to Yi, where Liu Bei will betray and attack his own family – so speak not of false peace, for we are genuine in our desires and our ambitions, we do not hide them behind a blanket of deceit. However, we do not share Wu’s feelings on war, we are ready to call forth a treaty, a union of peace – I did not come here for war, or to incite more war, but to lower my sword and enjoy the years of peace that can reside. If only you would agree to this cease of fighting.”

[Liu Feng]

He walked with his father towards the outside garden's of the palace. He had grown accustomed to this, walking with his father, over something deemed important, but again he would take little notice until his pessimism was proven ill founded. One day he hoped and prayed his father would give him the push to higher and greater things, that Feng himself truly believed he deserved.

"Ah yes son, I need a word with you. When did you get all this muscle?"

He had responded and added in his own little chuckle and joke. Liu Feng grinned a little at the comment, part of him brimming with happiness he had been recognised for his hard work, even if it was just a small statement hidden behind wit, he would still take it as a compliment.

"Well father, I keep training almost every day. Have you seen me spar with Zhao Yun yet? I swear I'm so close to beating him." He chuckled back, trying to impress his father any chance he got.

Liu Bei hummed to his self as they walked out and Feng couldn't help but smile and turn his head to the side. "You're in an awfully good mood today, father?" He had learnt his lesson from previous times, and remained patient, and when the time was right, his father would tell him the important details.

Feng's eyes turned to his left ever so slightly to catch a glimpse of the girl he had been pryed away from only moments ago. Their eyes crossed for a split second, followed by joint smiles, before realising the annoyance he could give his father, if he should see his concentration taken so easily, and turned his eyes back onto the path they still walked down.

[Gongsun Chao]

The boat ride from the residence that the young Gongsun Chao had taken up in Xiang Yang was longer than the youth expected. He was sad to be leaving the bustling port city where he was still receiving the tutelage of his long-time mentor Gan Yiwu, and although he trusted his companions with his life, they weren't lively enough for the outgoing Chao. His bodyguard Zhang Ci rarely spoke, spending most of his free time training and attempting to convince Chao to practice his spearmanship, while the minister Zhou spent his time reading old books that Chao really didn't much care for. To make things worse, there weren't any pretty women on the boat for Chao to win over. He wound up spending most of the trip sleeping.

Arriving in the city of Chang Sha, Chao's spirits once again were raised. With merchants coming in and out, the youth was able to find many interesting individuals with which to converse. He soon found that Chang Sha's women were to his liking, and he'd made a few younger women swoon before his majestic appearance. He was clad from head to toe in white and silver armor, bearing the symbols of dragons. At his side he carried a long spear, with the characters for the word "Legacy" etched into the blade. A long silver-colored cloak flowed behind him as he rode his white horse through the gates of Chang Sha.

His bodyguard moved closer to him as they started to approach the Palace Gates, not wanting any stray spears to move close to his young Lord. Zhou Xu had to remind Chao a few times that they were on their way to seek an audience and employment, not fool around with local girls. Chao finally consented and approached the gates. He spoke very cordially, his tone indicating none of the arrogance he felt in his heart.

"Good men of Chang Sha, I am Gongsun Chao, son of Gongsun Jieming of Ru Nan. I wish an audience with the great and virtuous Lord Liu Bei, that I may lend what little I have learned from my father to his cause, and work with him to restore peace to this war-torn land. May I be granted entry?"

At this point, Zhou Xu approached the guards and provided Gongsun Chao's papers, showing that he was indeed the son of the late Magistrate of Ru Nan, who was famous for leading men against the Yellow Turbans, and for being an honorable Magistrate in a time where corruption was yet rampant.

[Liu Bei]

Since Zhang Ren had left, Ba Zeng had been posing for a palace guard the entire day, and he thought to make the position believable; he had to deal with Gongsun Chao. He figured there would be no harm in granting him access to the Palace to seek an audience.

Ba Zeng started off tentatively: "Uh, yes, Lord Xuande. If you would hand over your weapons..." Ba Zeng noted that they would be a handful. "I will lead you up to the palace hall."

Assuming they did so; Ba Zeng walked up the steps and swiftly handed over their weapons to another guard as fast as he could. He couldn't be bothered with trivial things. The guard had been caught by surprise, and did not protest, he merely looked back dumbly.

As they entered the hall Ba Zeng beckoned a servant to him. "Tell Lord Xuande that Gongsun Chao is here to seek an audience with him."

The servant bowed and took his leave. Ba Zeng offered Chao a seat.

~

Liu Bei smiled, Feng was trying to brag to his father about his training. To beat Zhao Yun, that would be a wonder. He continued walking, his feet softly landing on the wood below him.

"Oh yes, I have witnessed one of your spars with Zilong. I am very proud of your progress my son." It was probably what he wanted to hear, Bei concluded.

A messenger had arrived for Liu Bei moments after, without a moment to speak, Liu Bei rose his hand, gesturing for him to wait. The messenger trailed behind the two. The messenger had meant to tell Liu Bei about the Wei diplomat outside the city walls, but couldn't he see Liu Bei was busy with his son?

Feng said: "You're in an awfully good mood today, father?"

"Yes I suppose I am, perhaps it is because I finally get to tell you about-" Bei had caught Feng looking past him and into the garden. Curious, Bei shifted his head to his right and stole a glance at the garden. Nothing was out of the ordinary but... there was a smiling woman, of immense beauty, aiming her smile in their direction.

Liu Bei laughed and looked ahead once again, "To be young and beautiful again..." He said with a certain nostalgia. Perhaps he was thinking of his deceased wife, whom he had lost at Chang Ban. Zilong had done his best to try to save her, back in the village, but Bei's wife had sacrificed herself so that Zilong would not be burdened with her, and he managed to save Liu Chan. Liu Bei had mourned for who knows how long; he had never thought of re-marrying.


"Anyway...." Liu Bei said with a smile, the words trailing off as he prepared to switch the subjects. "You know, I have an aching suspicion that you are a bit stir crazy, Feng. How would you feel about travelling?" Bei looked at Feng's face with his peripherals, judging his reaction by his features.

Another messenger appeared from a threshold. "Mi'lord, there is someone-" Bei put up his hand yet again, and the messenger stopped talking and started to trail behind the two. The messenger had mean to tell Liu Bei about Gongsun Chao, but couldn't he see Liu Bei was busy with his son?

[Liu Feng]

"Oh yes, I have witnessed one of your spars with Zilong. I am very proud of your progress my son."

Liu Feng had held it together quite well giving a nod and a small smile, yet inside again he was brimming with happiness. It had taken this long, but finally his father had mentioned something about his abilities, but still he longed for those words, anything that would elude to him being given the chance to prove his worth on the battlefield.

"Yes I suppose I am, perhaps it is because I finally get to tell you about-"

"To be young beautiful again..."

Liu Feng's head lowered ever so slightly at the sudden pause and comment. He didn't want to push his luck with his dad so close to telling him something. It seemed he had gotten away with it however, and taking one quite check to see if the girl was still present across the garden, he returned his gaze to Xuande.

"You know, I have an aching suspicion that you are a bit stir crazy, Feng. How would you feel about travelling?"

Firstly a curious look rose on his face, before a grin begun to stir and his cheeks dimpled slightly. This was it surely? He was going to be asked to leave the city, take some troops and make an impact for the good of Shu. It was his day to grow into a real man, and he was going to take it with both hands.

"Y-Yeah." He stuttered his words, understandable because of his long wait for such a chance. "Of course father, I have felt like I should be helping out more. I gladly accept whatever you wish of me."

He stood with a grin still plastered on his face.

[Gongsun Chao]

The youthful Chao didn't care much for his weapons, they were getting a bit heavy, anyway. He dumped them on Ba Zeng with a kind smile, thanking him for allowing him inside. Zhang Ci snarled slightly as his prized spear was taken, but after a stern glance from Chao, the bodyguard relented. Zhou Xu cordially handed over the ceremonial Pheonix Sword that he carried, admiring the architecture of the palace.

Once inside, Chao sat but thought silently that it was most rude of the Lord of Changsha to make him wait, being the son of the great man that his father was. Zhou read his expression like a book and moved closer to him.

"Don't think that way, Chao. He's a great man, your father respected him and so will you."

Chao thought over Zhou's words for a moment and then relented, looking around at all the women of the palace with interest in his eyes. Again, Zhou was forced to scold him, and Chao finally decided to sit quietly and await his time.

He then got an idea and tried to start up a conversation with the guards, just to pass the time, but Zhang Ci quietly whispered to him that it would seem suspicious and Chao again relented. Bored, Chao was forced to listen to one of Zhou's lectures on proper court etiquette and behavior, when Chao knew that he himself was much better versed on that particular subject (and only that particular subject) than his vassal.

[Norion]

As the sun broke across the horizon and the reflection of the sun gleamed off the river, the burning bright orb brought Wei Yan to full conciousness. As he rose so did his men, and they all knew that today would be the last of their long travel. Wei Yan stood and stretched while his men told each-other of their dreams, what they expected their journy to bring, and other casual conversation. His men, although few in number, made up for their lack of quantity with their quality. 1000 swordsmen, battle-scarred and trained to kill were accompanied by 10 commandos, experts in infiltration and assassination. They all used their padded armor as a pillow, keeping their weapons close by.

Wei Yan bent down and picked up his mask. It was a beautiful piece of art, intricate and ornate. Purple tribal designs wove in and out of each other over a void black background, accented by a few gems and gold paint. As he strapped it across his face, his thick brown hair fell across his back. He was a brute of a man, built to destroy, and his men knew this. This was why they elected him their tribal leader. The armor of Wei Yan's men was of the same design, but nothing that stood out like his mask.

He picked up his double bladed glaive, and spun it a few times. The shaft itself was around 6 and a half feet, with two tempered steel blades on either end. The base of the blade was hidden in a black tassle. Wei Yan held his weapon in his left hand, and thrusted it straight into the air; his men knew the time for talk was over. They immediately went to the river to wash, and eat the meat they left to dry hanging from the trees. Within 15 minutes they wordlessly washed, ate, and began their march.

They didn't speak much, for words were useless to men who practically knew each other's thoughts. As they reached the gates of their destination, They sighed in relief; they had been marching for a week. Although their pace was easy and reasonable, they were still glad to finally, and hopefully, be at their new home. Wei Yan marched with his men, allowing his horse to walk as well. He did not think himself any better than his comrades, and therefore did not see why he should ride while they walked. He was one of them, and treated himself as such. He ate their rations, he faught their fights, and he felt their pain. They were family.

50 yards out from the city gates, his men paused while Wei Yan swung himself onto his horse and rode forward. Once within yelling distance, he addressed the city of Chang Sha.

"I, Wei Yan, have brought my tribe in hopes of serving the great Liu Bei. Please, allow us an audience with him."[/b]

Wei Yan was not a diplomat, and was not one for fancy words. He was to the point, which sometimes worked against him. But, he knew that every War Lord needed extra men, so he highly doubted that he would be turned away.