Palace

[Sun Quan]

The Jian Ye palace... deep within the center of the large, bustling city, guarded by large walls and sharp eyed guards. The compound itself is out of date, and does not befit it's current ruler- who is returning from Chi Bi victorious. Thus, work is occurring on site and much of the palace is being rebuilt. In it's center it rises several stories, giving a view of the surrounding area, and even the outside of the city's limits.

---

They returned louder than they'd left. It was hard to tell that though, because the city had not stopped cheering since the news was brought in; they'd won, they'd beat the menace of Cao back to the north. Soon the tide of Wu would rise and engulf all that there was to see.. but for now they basked in the brilliance of their army in overcoming all odds.

What odds they were, too. An army of over eight-hundred thousand Wei warriors, and a fleet befit it's size. Their numbers however could not deter the bravest of Wu. Cao Cao was foolish to attack Sun Quan in the south. He payed gravely for his mistakes, yet Sun Quan knew that he too would pay if he were to make his move so preemptively. Which is why now he'd gone home to drink and enjoy the day that many thought impossible with his people.


Sun Quan entered the city and was quickly taken aback by its inhabitants; men, women, children- all cheering, chanting, praising its army and damning the fool Cao Cao. Indeed, this was the dawn of a new age in Wu. These people would not bend to the will of others, finally it was their time. Sun Quan winced just then, the power of the moment taking him by surprise. Such a proud people stood before him and it was his job to be their proudest.

Before long the army had filed in and the gates were shut, Sun Quan taking to the top of the gate while the brave and young souls in his army reacquired themselves with their loved ones and friends. Quan was losing himself in the moment until he began to spot the faces in the crowd that were alone- those who had lost someone in Chi Bi...

Immediately his hand rose, and before long the crowd was silenced by the pang of the distinct and loud war drums adorning the gate. His voice cut through the air, blaring across the crowd like a loudspeaker..

"People of Wu! Indeed, today is a grand day- and I hate to ruin our grand parade- but let us not forget those who are not here with us today. Yes, we return victorious, but at a price that we never deserved to pay!" He clenched his fist around his sword and drew it high up in the air in one fluid motion, the sound of the blade ringing, the sound of war echoed through the city. He carried on, "It was the Wei who brought this upon us! That is why, we will not stop till all of Wei is burning, until our flag is upon every corner of the known land! We cannot rest now, after such a grand showing of power! We must further drive the stake into the demon's heart! For Wu!"

The crowd remained silent after Quan finished, yet then erupted into cheers again. They were weary of war still, but before long they would understand- even if one does well not to find war, war has a way of rearing it's ugly head anyways.

Sun Quan returned to his palace, his army returned to the city and things quieted down..

[Ling Tong]

Ling Tong arrived to the palace after fighting bravely at Chi Bi. Many officers fought bravely but lost their lives. As he walked inside the chamber, he stood there and clsoed his eyes as he took a minute to remember those that were lost.

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan was strolling through the palace, beside him was a man squabbling about retaliation to the north, how their time was now, how you couldn't count Cao Cao out either. War was so complex.. the matters of state sometimes too critical, too overwhelming.

Quan walked into the main chambers and saw Ling Tong in the middle, standing tall and powerful, yet something seemed to trouble him. The young Sun shook away the older man who was pestering him and walked up to his general's side. It was clear that the man was deliberating over something too, deep in the inner workings of his mind.

Quan's deep, thundering voice spoke quietly, making sure not to startle the warrior, "My general.. you fought well against the Wei.. but tell me, what plagues your mind?"

[Ling Tong]

As his minute of rememberance is drawn to a close, Ling Tong heard footsteps behind him as Sun Quan approaches in a peaceful manner and asks what troubles him. Gongji turns round and sighs a little, "Sire...Chi Bi...all those that are lost, and yet I stand here with deaths all around me. My father is already gone and now officers that I used to be with have now passed on".

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan felt the pain in the young warrior's words. It struck hold of him, as he was reminded again of the immense toll Chi Bi plagued on both his officers and friends. Vile, it was that battle, but more would come ahead. Quan shook the pain from his mind, and spoke warmly to his general;

[red]"Painful it is, but it is in their passing that we draw upon their strength, as they will always be fighting with us, in spirit. And fighting we must do, for we shall avenge the fallen from a war that was brought upon by Cao."[/red]

[Ling Tong]

Ling Tong nodded as he strengthened himself and to keep a focus upon the present, rather than the past. "I feel much better now mylord, and I will continue to serve Wu and avenge the fallen".

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan smiled at his general, pleased with how things had carried out so far the morning. His smile faded as he walked off, still remembering those that had fallen.. times would be tough upon his soul, but even tougher upon those of his men. Regardless, he'd be there for them.

[angelinspired]

Lu Xun sat on the bottom step of the grand stairway outside the Jian Ye Palace in quiet contemplation. He was looking at nothing in particular, except the bright blue sky and clouds. He was relaxed, lying backwards supported by his arms, his exquisite advisory robes burning bright in the morning sunlight. His ruffled brown hair swayed softly, his eyes searching the sky for something they’d never find, but a soft smile was present nonetheless. He was of course thinking about the recent battle at Chi Bi, which was at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts.

He’d been there, not on the front lines, but close enough to have taken another’s life. It was his first major battle, and it had gone better than anyone dared to imagine. However, he felt something was missing. He’d lost friends, just as everyone involved had, but that was not it. His mentor, Lu Meng, had invited him to celebrate the victory with the rest of their force, but he’d politely declined. It was the reason he sat alone outside the palace, instead of inside with all the other officers.

He was searching for something not in the sky, but within himself. He knew he should be inside, but deep down, locked away in the child he once was, was the answer to his plight.

He was meant to do more – so much more.

He could feel it; perhaps even that strange taste on his tongue was it as well. But what could he do? Despite his promising education and solid performance at Chi Bi, he was much younger than his peers. While they all acknowledged his achievements, they harbored a look of apprehension in their eyes. He could read it in their movements and tone; they were skeptical of his reputation. The names on everyone’s tongue were Zhou Yu and Haung Gai – not Lu Xun. It was for this very simple fact, he sat pondering the present.

How could he get Lord Sun Quan’s attention? What feat would finally make him considered worthy of such distinguished praise from his teachers? Like a caterpillar not quite a moth, he wrapped himself wholly in this internal debate, hardly aware of his surroundings. His eyes remained fixed on the vast sky above, looking past the blue and white, to the future ahead. Yes, he would gain recognition, he knew it. He would make it happen.

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan peered around the corner of the exterior of the main palace, his eye spied a figure off resting in robes.. could he take the chance? Quan casually rounded the corner, perhaps too casually.. he was never good at these things. The man was of a bold nature, not a subtle one. Slowly he took careful steps toward the figure, trying to sneak by him without making a sound.

Like Lu Xun the lord didn't want to be in the dining hall. The mood had been heavy yet all had lightened up and the generals were getting rowdy talking about the next fight, how great Wu performed, and the like. It was too much for the young Sun lord, he was younger and less experienced in a way than most of them, too- so he sneaked out during the changing of meals.

Quan was eying all around him, down the steps, trying to spot the guards. If his mentor, Zhang Di caught word of this he would be in some trouble. That thought however struck Quan as he continued on down the steps, and he slowly began to defend himself in his head, disappointed in his still withdrawn status.. he was a KING after all. He'd defeated THE KING of KINGS.. ack.

Quan now rested on the ground, hanging on the to the bottom step- he'd tripped on one of them in his confusion. Lu Xun rested next to him, surely quite surprised by the moment.

Quan smiled at his general, trying to explained he situation- he also noted the serious look on the general's face after he calmed down..

[red]"Ah Xun, skipping the party too?"[/red] ;D

With much more grace than before he repositioned himself so he was sitting on the bottom step with Lu Xun right by his side. Again, he spoke, his voice filled with a chuckle or two, [red]"Or perhaps we will have our own party out here?! I can't stand their conversation in there.. I had to.. well.. escape!"[/red]

[Pan Zhang]

Pan Zhang had mainly been lulling about durning the 'festivites' mostly because as a person he found it hard to find joy in such a massive loss of life. Though he understood that you celebrate a win of any kind, and that once your in war you are committed to the great losses your going to cause and suffer, but he was definatly a bitter sweet moment. He was a little bit taken when his leige's speech nearly mirrored his sentiments. After which he began to mingle a little, though he hadn't much to talk about himself so he was mostly standing nodding, saying 'Ya' or 'Uh-Hu' to let people know he was focusing.

People were mostly talking about battle feats or how everything just seemd to fall into place. Various quotes such as "Did you see Prime Minister Cao's face in his stupor?" followed by some ludicirous face, Zhang was stuck thinking 'How could any of you?' He was about the last person wei left out on the fronts as the main armada struck. He would've liked to find Huang Gai out and ask him just how quickly Cao Cao had gotten away after the flames struck but that was a bit of a different matter now.

When things seemed to qwell themselfs he walked off and around the city abit, mostly worried that the celebration lead to destractions that would've given less than desireable patrons cause to visit homes rather.... unwelcomely. When he was relatively statisfied that alot of city was good about the situation he headed toward the palace, when he saw his master standing outside with a younger officer, whose name Zhang currently forgot. "Master Quan." He nodded in a sort of walking bow as he passed his leige and began up the steps he stopped breifly as if to think about what he did just as he had reached the top. He then proceeded into the palace toward the dinning hall to see his fellow generals and see what was up.

[angelinspired]

He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he never even heard the footsteps, until they turned into a full-fledged, ungraceful, and most certainly embarrassing, fall. With a look of disorientation Lu Xun examined the form of his lord, Sun Quan, slowly raising himself off the ground. He offered a hand to the young lord, but was ignored as Quan took up a seat right next to him.

He’d met the Ruler of Wu on a couple occasions, but he was merely introduced as a formality, such as you would introduce any guest at an event. He was surprised the young lord remembered his name, much less the face it went with. It was a testament to his humility, as a ruler, remembering even those whose efforts weren’t battle defining. He’d always been impressed with the Sun family, but this simple gesture reinforced his reasons for the path he’d chosen.

He smiled, if only to help Quan forget their rather informal meeting. [Maroon]“And be the only one to enjoy your company, milord? I’d be a selfish fool if I allowed myself that privilege.”[/Maroon]

The young advisor turned his head back towards the sky, allowing a few moments of tranquility to transpire. It was ridiculous that he was being so quiet in the company of his lord, when he should have been offering congratulations and other praise. However, Lu Xun could tell that wasn’t what he wanted to hear. Perhaps even a king needed a quiet companion from time to time, to keep them grounded in reality. He knew they’d be interrupted soon enough, after all, a king wouldn’t be a king without the people he protected.

With a sigh, he again leaned back on his hands, admiring the beauty around him. [Maroon]“Despite fortune favoring us at Chi Bi, I can’t help but feel that was only the beginning. Things have been set in motion that will define what our country will become, what our future generations will deal with, and how we’ll all be remembered. Is it foolish to allow myself to feel the magnitude of these decisions, if only to ensure I take nothing for granted?”[/Maroon]

[Sun Quan]

Liu Xun's words were wise, especially for his age. Sun Quan focused toward the fading sun, admiring it's warm glow..

[red]"It is but all we can do, Xun. We are at home here- yet we will never find peace if we stay behind our walls. For this we will continue on down the path... More pain is to come.. but we cannot stop until Cao Cao is crushed.. The nation of Wu shall be remembered in China, not Wei. This is our destiny, this is something we shall all call our own.."[/red]

Sun Quan looked to Xun and then stood up-

[red]"Wu is nothing without officers like you Lu Xun, remember this in the future."[/red]

He waited for Xun's replied and then returned to the party.

[Jia Zhilan]

{OOC: I got a bit carried away...}

The cool air seemed to chill anyone whom was caught in it. Zhilan sighed as she looked out the small window of the carriage. They had in the middle of the afternoon decided to travel out into the city. It was merely because her father had found out of the victory. In this war Zhilan was sure that her father was rooting for the winning side.

After all he did not care much who really 'won' the war as long as he was on the winning side. Zhilan really was not sure what she thought, somehow she wished that she could know the men and women higher up. After all, Zhilan had no idea what any of them stood for. All of them seemed to fade into each other after so long. Maybe tonight she would meet one of them, though if she did they would hardly discuss anything.

Her father and grandfather would be trying to set her up with any man they deemed higher. It was just about how every gathering worked for her most days. Really though it was part of her job, after all she was the honorable daughter. Before she had the time to allow her thoughts to consume her, the carriage came to a stop. Looking over the door opened and her father immediately exited, then she heard a voice "lady...".

Getting to the door, she put one foot out gently, her flat white show hitting the ground. The young man took her hand and lightly she stepped out as if to avoid making any sort of noise. Jet black hair fell around her light face, some up in glass decorative hair pieces, made of crystal. Dark eyes searched the sky, as if she was looking for more, taking her hand back she smiled ever so lightly at him. It was interesting to see how this victory had put so many in such high spirits, it was quite a hopeful thing to see.

A white dress adorned her body lightly, it was a soft silk material and she appeared to have a very easy time walking in it, each of her steps light as the other. Brushing some of her hair behind her ear, she glanced at the building in front of her and was taken a bit back by it...though it made her curious. People who had homes like this either had worked for something like this or where just greedy enough to be able to get something like this. Maybe it was from what she had seen at her home that made her morals so off balance tonight, she shook her head lightly. Zhilan hardly thought it polite to be thinking such things about someone who she had never once met in her life, a bit stupid of her.

She refused to be one of those people who just looked at the outward appearance and never gave a second thought to what was on the inside. Letting out a breath she brushed herself off and followed her father into the party, once she got to the door she shut her eyes. Walking in he seemed to instantly catch the eyes of a few people, of course he became to speak and all that she was merely meant to do was stand off on the sideline. A breath escape her pink lips as she watched her father, he was so busy...it all seemed so pointless though. Lightly her finger tips went up to the locket around her neck and she brushed it with her finger tips, smiling a bit to herself as she did.

It was weird how different her father was, well at least how different he was when her mother was gone. He had fought so hard to be with her, she knew that and finally when they were together they had it all ripped away. Maybe that was why he had not wanted her to be with the man she had loved...she still loved him but...he was dead. Zhilan was hoping somewhere in his heart that her father had done that horrible thing out of some sort of loving feeling for her...she could only hope. Really though Zhilan had always thought him to be a good man, and that was what she could continue to let be placed in her mind, she had to have hope.

Talking to her father openly had never been a strong point for her, telling him what she really wanted was something so hard that well she just never said anything. It was simple, she wanted to play her roll and attempt to make him happy because most of the time he always seemed disappointed. Which then made her a bit more nervous around people, after all Zhilan had convinced herself that at any minute she could mess up around them. Some people she felt as though they were just waiting for her to mess up, even though she remained to keep a calm composure threw all those thoughts. This party though was killing her, it was not as if Zhilan did not mind the people it was just she felt like a idiot just standing there and Zhilan felt sort of closed in that room.

With that she decided her best option would be to escape, at least for a few minutes, not as though her father would even know that she was gone. With that she found a door, turning the handle, Zhilan slipped out the door shutting it behind her as she rested her hands on the handles. Letting out a sigh she shut her eyes, running a hand lightly threw her jet black hair as she lightly put one foot out. With that she was walking, her eyes shifted around everything that was around her, the stars captivated her as she walked. Normally the only time she got to see things like this was from her bedroom window.

Depressing huh? Zhilan found it a bit silly that she was so amazed by the stars simply because she never got to see them all that much. Naturally though she thought all in all, she could be a silly person most of the time with all the dreams she had, none of them were meant to happen. In honesty, the one dream which she really did not count it as a dream, it was more of something she felt to be her duty and that was to make her father and grandfather proud. Sitting herself down on a stair, Zhilan hardly noticed the two men who were in close proximity as she bit the edge of her lip slightly and wondered off into her own thoughts.

[THE Justin]

((Jeez.))

Taishi Ci was a stalwart warrior. He was the champion of Wu, the man sought to end disputes in the name of the Lord of Wu, Sun Quan. He had known the man's brother, and had been enrolled within the kingdom with him.

Taishi Ci was within the party, drinking with the best of them. Though he was stern and serious upon the field of battle, he was not a boring person. No, the opposite being true, he was currently wrapped up in a drinking battle with Han Dang, chugging to see who was the better. Taishi slammed his cup down, only to see Han Dang already finished. Taishi Ci yelled in faux anger, and clapped the man on the shoulder.

"You will always be my better when it comes to intoxication, Lord Dang. However, I must retire right now... I ache from the day's hardships, and my head swim with the alcohol we have drank. I bid everyone goodnight."

Amidst clapping from the assembly, Ci walked out the front of the palace. At the bottom step he saw a gathering of men, the Lord Sun Quan amongst them. There were no guards within quick sight, and Ci saw this as an opportune time.

He stalked forwards. To the untrained eye it would look as though he was just casually walking. However, he came up silently, the men below oblivious to his entrance to the conversation being had.

Until the alcohol took him, and he tipped forwards. Suddenly he was rolling towards the group of men, throwing his arm out to catch himself on the steps. He quickly brought himself to his feet, swaying slightly slightly behind Sun Quan. His armor had made quite the ruckus, and as such, it would not be impossible to say that Quan had noticed him.

He picked up his helmet, having become dislodged from his arm in the accident, and looked it over. He smiled, and then saluted to Sun Quan.

"Lord Quan. It is good to see you."

[Cao Cao]

“Beautiful isn’t it.” He said to the man beside him.

“Yeah, I didn’t think it would be so big.”

“Me neither, Cao Cao did say it was a worthy conquest, it’s a shame we lost.”

The man who stood with him nodded, but made no response. Instead the two looked ahead at the cities gates, learning its culture, its strengths and its inevitable weaknesses. They had travelled for more than they had wanted, but as they neared the cities gates and beautiful landscapes, it almost seemed worth it; almost.

“Say, do you have the scroll?” asked Wei.

The man dug deep into his pocket and revealed a small piece of tethered paper, “Yeah,” he replied, “But I can’t say it’s in good shape.”

“No matter, it’ll get us in the city if we have any luck.”

The man nodded and Wei took up the reins and led the steed gently to a trot, from there he moved into a steady canter where he paced his way to the cities gates, upon arrival, he beckoned for his assistant to come forth, reveal the scroll and declare its contents.

“This is an imperial decree authorised by Cao Cao, The Imperial Secretariat of the Han. He seeks Wei Xiadi, titled governor and lieutenant of the Folomy to gain entrance to the city of Jian Ye in relation to discuss a matter of great importance with Sun Quan, ruler of Wu on matters of diplomacy. We, the advisors of his lords’ council – come without weapons and so offer ourselves in peace.”