Blossum Garden

[Ling Tong]

A colourful area of land with blossom trees and stands full of water scattered around where birds fly in to have their morning drink. If your after peace, want somewhere quiet then relax here.

[Pang Tong]

(I've had enough of doing nothing, anybody feel like some conversation?)

A soft wind blew gently through the garden, causing the trees to rustle in what sounded like a language all in itself to Pang Tong, who stood completely motionless at the edge of a pond, his bright green robes flapping slowly in the wind. His hands were relaxed, down at his sides, fingers outstretched, feeling the wind, sensing the currents of the air.

His eyes were closed, and Shiyuan felt such a presence of calm in this garden that he felt he might blow away with the wind were it not for the sword at his hip weighing him to the ground. There was another rustle, one that Pang Tong identified instantly in the clear state of mind he was in, feathers, above and circling. He could hear the bird coming closer and closer, and then there was the sound of graceful legs touching down in the water, and the rustling of feathers changed from the sound of flight, to the sound of the wind.

Pang Tong opened his eyes to see a gorgeous white stork, the feathers on the ends of it's wings and tail a deep black, with long red legs in the water only a few feet from him. It stood staring into the water, as still as Pang Tong, waiting for a fish to swim near.

"Hello friend." he said, his voice barely even a whisper. The stork turned to look at him, it's black eyes fixed unwaveringly on Tong's own, and Pang Tong lost all track of time staring back at the stork before he finally spoke again, "I don't suppose you would happen to be one of the old gods, here to impart some form of enlightenment?", the stork blinked, and turned it's head back to waiting for fish.

"I suppose that would be too much to ask.."

[Gongsun Chao]

A very young man, still in his teenage years, entered the garden alone. Although Chao usually wore the ceremonial armors of the White Dragon, as he had come to the garden for relaxation, he was clothed in the usual green robes of a Shu official. He sat by the end of the pond, opposite Pang Tong, giving Pang Tong the usual kind smile that he imparted upon everyone.

Chao had no idea who Pang Tong was, but Chao's only true skill was in his outgoing personality, so he immediately tried to start up a conversation with the strategist.

"Greetings, and well met. Truly a fine day for the garden, its tranquility is quite relaxing, is it not?"

Chao crossed his legs and sat in a meditative position. He frequently made attempts to clear his mind and find inner peace with the religion that his father attempted to impart upon him, but he was not able to do so...Where was this peace? Where were these Heavens, and how could one really do their will? These were the questions Chao was considering in his mind as he looked into the pond.

[Pang Tong]

Pang Tong smiled as the Crane took flight at the person approaching, Tong's stillness had allowed for the Crane to feel safe in his presence. He responded to Chao's smile with one of his own, "A fine day indeed." Tong said lightly, letting out a long, relaxing breath, watching the crane disappear into the distant sky, probably to find a more secluded place to find it's lunch.

"Some cultures say that a crane will escort our souls to the afterlife, and I must say that the prospect of so graceful an animal guiding me in death would be wonderful." Pang Tong took a few moments, making observations of Gongsun Chao as he made what was to Pang Tong a very awkward attempt to calm and balance his spirit. Understanding that interruptions can be unwelcome Tong waited until he was certain that Chao was becoming frustrated.

"We rely on our eyes so much that we sometimes forget our other senses." He said, and continued so as not to sound like there was no point to his statement, "For instance, I could tell by your appearance you are a soldier of Shu, obviously young, and obviously one who has access to funds to set himself above the common man." Tong closed his eyes then, "But I can also tell by the sound of your feet as you arrived that you are a fighter, but are inexperienced. Your balance is exceptional, but you have not fought a truly challenging foe, or at least not often enough to have the walk of a fighter. Additionally, your patterns of breath tell me you have had training in the meditative arts, but you do not understand them. Also," he said, opening his eyes, "your face scrunched up" and gave a short laugh.

"Look at me, if you will, and tell me what you see."

[Gongsun Chao]

The youth looked at Pang Tong quite surprised. How did the official look through his illusions and see his own weaknesses? Chao's mind began to race, as appearances were very important to the young noble. He didn't want any of Shu's officials understanding any more than what he led them to believe. In the end though, he looked up at Pang Tong and tried to formulate a good response.

"The sense of sight tells me little, good Sir. Your robes also distinguish yourself as a scholarly official of Shu, but it is only from hearing your speech that I am able to determine that you are an official of some intellect indeed."

Chao smiled courteously and decided to introduce himself. His expression had changed completely, all the frustration appearing to have left him. He focused on maintaining his cheerful disposition.

"Perhaps introductions are in order, good Sir. I am Gongsun Chao, son of the late White Dragon of Ru Nan and recently employed retainer to the virtuous Lord Liu."

[Pang Tong]

"I was well educated as a child, and have pursued the knowledge of the mind and body every since. A good observation, though not a difficult one."

Once Chao had introduced himself, Pang Tong laughed and shook his head. "Gongsun Chao, of course. It may be conceited to say so, but I believe I would have guessed who you were given a few minutes more. I mean, there aren't many officers of Shu around your general age and experience."

Pang Tong kept his eyes fixed on Chao, as though with enough focus he might break through some exterior and read Chaos's very soul.

"But I admit I'm curious," Shiyuan said, rubbing his chin with his left hand, "What do you think you will gain under Liu Bei? There are other lords you could have served, so why Shu?"

[Gongsun Chao]

Chao smiled.

"Glad you picked such an easy question," he joked.

"My father was a virtuous man, and he always spoke highly of Lord Liu. If I am not to stand idly by in this chaos, if I am to serve a Lord, how can I choose one that is not the righteous one?"

Really, Chao did believe that if he were to show his father's virtues, he would have to serve a Lord that would appreciate virtue. It was simple, but it was Chao's plan. A plan Chao did not expect to fail.

[Pang Tong]

"Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." Pang Tong said softly, "Liu Bei is the most righteous prince of all, I agree, and I say this from personal experience traveling in the lands of other lords. Bei is not in the most powerful of positions in this land, and is not nearly cruel enough a man to build an expanding empire like the tyrant Cao Cao. He is too kind, and I daresay it is a shortcoming of mine as well." Pang Tong smiled then and took in a deep breath as the wind picked up momentarily.

"But it is our duty as allies and servants of Liu Bei to push him, so that we can ensure that no other takes control of these lands, for if that were to happen the results would be chaotic and disastrous for the common people."

Pang Tong's face became suddenly perplexed, as though he was thinking about something, and after a moment or two, he began to laugh loud and heartily. After he had regained himself he explained, "Here I am, talking to you as though you are some pupil of mine, and I haven't even introduced myself." Pang Tong bowed deeply then, "Gongsun Chao, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am the man whose mark in history will be small, but important, just as an ant may well destroy an entire dam. I am Pang Tong, the Young Phoenix. And again, it is a pleasure to meet you."

[Gongsun Chao]

Chao nods in agreement to Pang Tong's first statements about Liu Bei. He hides his excitement to meet one of the more famous and skilled officers of Shu, officers he was sure to attempt to befriend if he were to become important in the emerging Shu-Han.

"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Pang. Your skill is quite well-known. I've heard there are few that can compare with your knowledge of military strategy."

Chao sighed.

"Perhaps you could teach me a bit if you had some time. I'm afraid that my lessons were cut short when my father and mother passed away. They were skilled in their time, but I suppose the strategies for defeating the Yellow Turbans and the strategies for unifying the land would be quite different..."

A kind smile remained on the youngster's face as he spoke to his elder, and superior. He hoped to learn that which he could, since his personal banner was growing quickly and it would be only a matter of time before he was called upon to lead his banner into a battle.

[Pang Tong]

"Hm.." Pang Tong rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a few moments, "I would be willing to teach you the arts of strategy, however it is a skill that cannot simply be picked up by conversation. It is one thing to understand a tactic, but to implement it effectively is another matter." He paused for a long while, thinking.

"The best way to learn, I would say, is by example. I am most certain that there will be many battles awaiting us in the not too distant future. It would be my honor if you would one day fight at my side, and perhaps you might benefit from it, as I myself might as well.

[Gongsun Chao]

Chao maintained his usual smile.

"As I would be honored to fight alongside one as skilled as yourself, Lord Pang."

He paused for a moment and sighed.

"Yet I fear that the Lord Liu will not allow me to march into battle without a better arsenal of tactics under my belt. My father was well known for creating what we call a spearwall, a nearly impregnable wall of spears that rain death on any army foolish enough to approach it. Perhaps someday you could inspect this formation and give me some pointers?"

[Pang Tong]

(Sorry, just kinda getting the post up not much to say for the moment anyway, conversations are kind of bland when it comes to imagery, so anyway, here it is)

"Hmph." Pang Tong said with a grin, "Liu Bei will utilize every man under oath to him, because if he does not, Shu will fall. He may not wish it, but myself and Zhuge Liang would insist."

"But if you do not believe yourself prepared properly for battle, it would be an honor to inspect your men, and provide whatever such advice as I feel prudent."

[Gongsun Chao]

Chao nodded to the famed strategist. His army had certainly grown in size, perhaps the Lord would see his usefulness and put him to good use for the cause of virtue.

"I would be most honored if you would. I will be training my cavalry in the fields soon, perhaps you can take a look at my formation and my tactics then."

A messenger enters with a scroll for Chao, stating that the preparations for construction were complete. Chao smiled to Pang Tong, having to take his leave from the peaceful garden. He bowed again to the strategist.

"It was an honor to meet you, Lord Pang. I hope we can work together soon, that we may do what is necessary to help our Lord."

With that Chao took his leave, mounting his white horse and riding for the city of Guiyang where he had work to do.

[Ma Yunlu]

Ma Yunlu heard rumors of the Blossum Garden of how beautiful it was and so she decided to take a visit. She really did enjoy flowers and had a garden of her own in Liang. As she entered the garden Ma Yunlu's eyes widened as she scared away the birds who were drinking peacefully, flying away leaving only bit the beautiful scenery of the Blossum Garden. "Its georgeous..." she whispered gently to her self as the wind blew past her long and beautiful black hair.