Palace

[Zhuge Cheng]

Zhuge Cheng was relaxing in a local tavern in Jian Ye. Resting his feet, he ate some well-deserved, fresh home made bread with some hot soup. Around him the people all cheering about the recent victory but Cheng just sat there and quietly ate his bread. In his heart he knew that there was still much to do, and that the recent battle was just a stepping stone for the chaos that awaited this kingdom.

A half-drunk man drew him back to reality, offering him some beer. Disciplined as he was he declined politely, he rarely drank alcohol especially now because his mind was to stay sharp, much work was yet in front of him. For Cheng, duty was in the first place and everything else second.

A few moments later he finishes his meal, pays and leaves. One thing he had yet to do before he could retire home. He gets on his horse and heads towards the city's palace.

Upon arrival first thing that caught his view was a medium-sized party, and in the middle, yes he could clearly see, the liege of Wu, Sun Quan. His armor clanked as he approached the group, he didn't say anything, instead he patiently waited till the liege had time for him.

[angelinspired]

Lu Xun listened as Sun Quan spoke, but kept his sight on the sky. While he didn’t expect the leader of Wu to disagree with him, he didn’t quite expect the parting comment, either. When had the young king had time to become familiar with his accomplishments? Was it his mentors flattering comments in court, or was it something more meaningful? Did he possess something that made him stand out amongst the plethora of generals he had at his disposal? The questions swam through his mind in a flurry of surprise, but his face remained serene on the exterior.

Letting his lids flutter closed, the young advisor listened to the growing amount of activity around them. Several other generals had passed by at this point, acknowledging their lord but hardly giving him the time of day. Why should they? He held no respectable rank, but the fact that the man given credit for chasing the wolf of the north back home, with his tail between his legs no less, was sitting with him must have triggered someone’s curiosity.

He opened his eyes, and looked at his lord. [Maroon]“I am but a minnow in an ocean of swordfish, milord. You needn’t waste your breath on my minor contributions to the kingdom. Others deserve so much more praise, but I can promise you…”[/Maroon]

Lu Xun, with a deep breath, rose to his feet in a slow motion. He looked like a man awaking from a deep slumber, but perhaps this wasn’t so far off. A gleam, not present before, sparkled in his eye which now met those of the King of Wu. With a smile, he offered his hand. [Maroon]“I will soon be among them.”[/Maroon]

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan felt the prescene of another beside him and Lu Xun, yet he didn't get the chance to discover who it was- as he was offered Lu Xun's hand. The young warrior pulled Quan to his feet quickly and the soon to be King returned the smile. He noted that he was fortunate for having such dutiful officers. With a pat on the general's back and a few kind words he bid him goodbye, [red]"Then I will be counting on that."[/red]

Quan finally looked over to his right and noticed an unfamiliar woman dressed in a fine white dress.. she'd been there for quite some time too. She looked too elegant for the bottom of the steps and he was going to say something yet a very drunk Taishi Ci interrupting his thoughts..

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

Quan smiled as he drew an arm up to the warrior's shoulder, hoping to make sure he would not fall again. Taishi Ci had always done well for Wu and could be considered one of it's best warriors. He too had been in power for quite some time; you could say he was invaluable in Quan's eyes as both a general to look to yet also to rely upon.

[red]"And better it is to see you Ziyi; I see you found a way to live through the party? Tell me you saved some drink for your dear lord!"[/red] Quan replied in a laughing manner- not caring that his officer was in quite the stupor. Every man was entitled his spoils, no? Zhongmou winked at his general and helped him on his way, exchanging a few words before letting him walk the rest of the way to what he hoped was his bed.

Again as he turned back and walked to the steps he eyed the mysterious woman off to the side.. she looked quite young and quite lonely- beautiful too. Quan made his way over to where she was sitting, his back to Zhuge Cheng- whom had just arrived to the palace.

His gaze lasted on her longer this time- she seemed to not care and was more into whatever she was thinking about rather than the situation around her. The young lord spied at her beauty, which made him again wonder of her reason for resting on the step.. He questioned her thoughtfully, trying to understand what was exactly wrong.

[red]"Why is it that such a beautiful woman sits alone out here in dark of night? Do you not prefer the chairs in the hall?"[/red]

Sun Quan offered his hand to her.

Further on, up at the gate Zhang Di was taking care of the emissary sent by Cao Cao..

[white]"As expected- Cao Cao is a man who must always have the last word.. Welcome to Jian Ye."[/white] The old, stubborn adviser of lord Sun Quan replied rather smugly, knowing already the true intentions of this ploy.. But this was the way of the land- and such a thing as this would work out well to test the young Sun lord- Zhang Di smiled at this.

Clicking his foot into the side of his horse he guided the carriage to the palace, making sure to enter the back way. With him were forty veteran swordsmen, their only purpose to contain the Wei officials and keep out any Wu officers.. the tension right now between the two country's was higher than even before and Zhang Di was being sure to watch things extra carefully. After securing things he went to the carriage and spoke to the Wei official.

[white]"His lordship is currently busy right now and cannot meet with you right away..."[/white]

[THE Justin]

Taishi Ci beamed at the joke made by his lord. He laughed heartily with him clasping his own quite large hand down upon the lord of his lands. He didn't seem to be able to control his strength too well, since his hand stung a bit afterward.

"No problem Lord Quan. I will be on my way. One stop at the main gate then I will turn in to my bed."

Taishi Ci gathered himself, sobering up almost instantly, though a light buzz still circled around his head. He wouldn't be making any award winning speeches, but he thought himself proper enough to go visit and do a quick patrol.

He showed up at the front gate with his spear in hand, well more or less using it as a cane. He wasn't in right straits, but hey, when in Rome.

Arriving he watched as Quan's stingy old codger of an adviser, Zhang Di, tell off a detachment of Wei emissaries. Ci held in a laugh, straining to do so, while walking forwards, planting the butt of his spear firmly into the ground, but not enough to disable his use of the polearm (Though in his current state, he doubted he'd be that great of a fighter with it).

Looking over the emissaries and waving to the old man, he spoke, words barely slurred.

"Well, if it isn't those snake in the grass Wei bastards. Who're you? You have the look of someone who licks the backside of that manchild T'sao T'sao. What're you all up to, coming before you victor's doorstep? You think we want the stank of defeat to permeate our city in our revelry?"

Abusive! Taishi was normally an stand-up and proper man. However, with alcohol and bloodlust clouding his mind... who knew what could happen to these two emissaries.

[Jia Zhilan]

Zhilan never really guessed she would look like such a idiot, spacing out in front of all of these men like this. Naturally though none of them even know her and she was already worried about what they would think of her. She tried to tell herself to forget about it but really, Zhilan was very busy attempting to bring respect to her family. The party was nice she guessed but somehow she just wanted to be on her own which she found to be rather weird. In the usual circumstances she found being on her own to be less then pleasurable.

Technically though, Zhilan was alone after all it was not as if she was sitting outside talking to someone, it was just her with her own thoughts. Over and over she analyzed her life, every little detail that had ever managed to come out of it ran threw her head. The cool air kept her quite content, somehow she was quite glad that the weather was not all that bad just yet it appeared to be rather nice. Then again a part of her wished the coldest of weather had come threw, then again the sooner it got here the sooner it left. On a night like this though somehow she doubted even a small amount of chilly weather could damper these peoples spirits.

Hearing a voice talk to someone of whom he called lord, Zhilan zoned a little bit back in and brushed some of her hair behind her ear. After all if she ended up spacing then often she had the tendency to not even notice people, how embarrassing. It would of been worse for her especially if someone had walked up and started to talk to her, that would of brought a small shade of pink to her cheeks. Not that anyone could really notice at the moment but still, she would know and that woudl be enough for guilt to build in her. As ridiculous as people would think something like that to be, it was just simply what she believed.

Again though she heard a few footsteps something told her they were coming towards her but something else inside of her would not let her turn to look. Plus if no one was there she would look at bit crazy, turning around to look for nothing. Besides if someone was going to walk up to her they would say something she would of hoped. Then her mind wondered back to the fact that someone could of been standing next to her at this very moment as she tried to sort out all of her thoughts, never did she think it to be a winning situation. Then again not many people would remember her from this night, she was merely here to be shown off by her loving father.

A statement was made in her direction and slowly Zhilan began to take it in, shaking her head she looked up. For the first time tonight Zhilan had made eye contact with someone, he was offering his hand and looked as though he waited for a reply from her. Gently she took his hand and picked herself off the ground, even if Zhilan was not meant to know she was hardly stupid. This was the leader, it was obvious how he had been spoken to and simply how he had carried himself. He was different from the others, they all carried pride that was very true but he seemed to carry such a deep burden.

"I apologize" she said putting her hands lightly on her dress and hanging her head slightly "I had no idea that you were...if I would of known I-". Cutting herself off she shut her eyes and attempted to not make herself look like to much of a idiot, her nerves were pretty good at getting the best of her. Bringing her head back up she stood thinking for a moment before she decided that she might as well look like less of a idiot and answer his questions. "Well..." pausing Zhilan ran a hand threw her hair lightly as she gave thought into the answer she would give to him. "Felt as though I needed to clear my head" it was very much the truth, somehow all her thoughts had gotten in quite the mix up.

"Not that the chairs in the hall aren't lovely" Zhilan said quickly, meaning to not show any disrespect once again her nerves causing her to slip up. "I just..." glancing back to the building where everyone was shook her head "not really into parties..." her voice was soft. "I'm not very good with people" shrugging her shoulders she glanced at him for a moment "though I would think you to be in there...". Smiling it seemed to light up her face, almost making the fact that she was dead set nervous to disappear and all that was left was a beautiful smile. "After all you are the leader of this marvelous victory if I am not mistaken" then again she thought herself to have made a mistake "of course your soldiers have...I just..." sighing she bowed slightly "I'm sorry".

[Cao Cao]

The city was in every way what he had envisioned from across the great river, a city that was fulfilled with its own light, a city built upon something unique and powerful. He could not find the words he meant as he gazed the scenery, but they were there; pounding hard into his chest, making him feel woozy.

“We will wait.” He said at last, not tearing his expression as he turned his head up to look at the great palace. “The scenery alone should feed my need.”

He smiled and yet did not look to see who responded. It didn’t matter, no one mattered. In those brief moments the only thing that mattered was the world around him, the things he could see – the great flags, the banners and pedestals – the ornaments that hung on every supply train that shifted across each plaza of the city. All of those things mattered, but the veracity of his own predicament; that did not.

“The city sure is beautiful, don’t you think?” He turned to his assistant, who – along with the 40 guard escort, stood glaring at the palace and the festivities that were held inside.

“Yeah.” The assistant said, “It sure is.”

“Say.” He turned to Zhong Di slowly as he spoke, allowing a chance within his pause to grab the man’s attention, “When was this palace modified. Its original design was nowhere near as glamorous as this. From the reports of Mo Ling, this palace should only be half of the size it is and yet here I stand, dwarfed by the palace as if came from the heavens itself”

He pointed briefly to the great open arc that made up its larger northern section and then turned back to the main gates, where Taishi Ci was spotted descending the stairs.

The two glared and then the insult came, it was slow – muffled and overly exaggerated. But still it came, with a full throttled threat closely behind.

“Greetings to you too.” He said, smiling.

His assistant backed away gently, but Wei Xiadi was a man of principle, even in the eyes of defeat he stood strong. “You speak as if the fire was extinguished.”

He continued promptly, whilst his assistant turned a curious eye to Zhong Di, “Will you do nothing?”

“Unless the reports are wrong, Cao Cao is having a celebration of his own, unlike you – he has finally found an opponent worth facing. For too long have we battered our fans against those before us and every time have they bowed before our grasp. But you, general of Wu – can say nothing in terms of defeat.”

Wei smiled as he spoke, his own temptation to insult finally returning to a more professional note. “Though tell me. I heard a story.”

He smiled again, bigger this time, “I heard that you tried to protect King Rong, tried to help Tao Qian and then served a southern ruler before losing to the likes of Sun Ce, a man you swore to protect according to the text of those in zhongyuan. Of course these stories may be wrong, but, to flutter an insult into the wind does not make it powerful – nor does it tighten my stomach. You speak of foolish things, if Wei was defeated as a whole – would I be here. Besides, even if we did lose, we never betrayed you in doing so.”

“Unlike Liu Bei of course, who did betray you.”

[THE Justin]

Taishi listened to the hollow words. Indeed, Ci had had a long and varied career under a few lords. However, each lord he served he had served because he had felt it the right thing to do.

"It is indeed true that I myself have known the graciousness of multiple lords... And I can say with a stiff back and without a quiver in my speech that I did so honorably, and left each honorably. Lord Sun Ce was one of the greatest men to walk this earth, as was his father, and as is his brother and sister. You would do well to remember that, Xiadi."

No qualifier. He referred to him neither as a sir, or even as an equal; a single mention of the last name with no reverence in it.

Ci picked up the pole arm, and walked a few steps closer to Xiadi and his assistant. He pointed the pole arm towards them, not directly at them, but more in a motion that any further nonsense would not be tolerated.

"As far as our alliance with Shu, that is none of your concern. I will ask you one more time, Wei lapdog; Why are you here in Jian Ye?"

All hints of drunkenness had fled him. He was stone sober, the recent insults levied against him in a subtle manner more than tearing him from his stupor. He was prepared to kill these two men, and there is no doubt to his ability to do so, before they would know what would happen. However, he did not want to sully this night of revelry with a renewed war; both states needed some time to recuperate their losses, and to plan their next stage of attack.

It is for this reason that Ci did not strike forth immediately; level-headed as he was, one did not insult Wu or any of its leaders or members in front of him and get away with it.

"Speak, Mouth of T'sao, and let us hear the honey-drenched words that he's asked you to recite; we both know they are hollow and tone only for the deaf. No intelligent man would be swayed by the verbiage of that tyrant." He smirked deftly. "Come, T'sao lapdog. Speak, and let your words ring in my ears instead of those of the illustrious Zhongmou."

[Sun Quan]

Sun Quan was further taken aback by the woman's beauty as he helped her stand up. It was clear by the way she looked that she came from some sort of heritage; as it was also clear she was probably visiting from the country for Quan could not remember seeing her before. She slowly began to speak to him, and he smiled further at her- the pangs and cries of war were but a distant dream after hearing her words.

However her smile faded as she toiled over the subject about those that had fallen at Chi Bi. She told him he was sorry, and it surprised Sun Quan. He had not expected such words from her..

[red]"War always brings pain with it, to kill, to be killed, it is unlike anything else. There is glory, even still, in it- and those that have passed will forever claim it. So I appreciate your words.. yet I ask that you do not be sorry, for we must look ahead, not behind.."[/red]

Quan finished, he was unsure of the girl now, she'd struck him deep with her words.. he sighed and turned off to gaze back toward the moon. It's hue was nearly golden, it encouraged the young lord so he continued on, [red]"It does me well to not be up in the hall with the others.. especially now that I have met such a lady as yourself."[/red] His dark eyes gazed back up and met again those soft eyes, he smiled to her before laughing slightly and pardoning himself.

[red]"Forgive me, you seem to know who I am yet I do not know who you are.. so let's start over- I am Sun Quan."[/red] He paused, still smiling and now waiting for her to introduce herself.


Meanwhile..

Zhang Di watched to proud Taishi Ci squabble with the Wei emissary, and when the official's assistant asked him what he was to do of the situation, he simple returned the man's stare. Taishi was a proud warrior who would not dare even think about backing down from such a predicament- yet it seemed he was evenly matched in the wit of the Wei adviser.

As the Wu warrior drew up his pole arm the guards that had been stationed in a square around the group drew their weapons, their orders very clear: none where to lay a hand upon the visitors until Sun Quan spoke to them. Yet Zhang Di was not so foolish to buy into Taishi's rage.

[white]"That is enough Taishi Ci, your services are appreciated here but it is lord Quan who must decide what to do with these... two."[/white]

Zhang Di then turned to the quick witted Wei 'lapdog.'

[white]"Though he does propose an interesting question, what is it that you have come here for? My lord is not the type to be drawn to petty games of diplomacy and war that your lord Cao Cao so often relies on."[/white] He shook his head at the situation and then viewed the palace, and then added to his point.

[white]"It should be understood too that lord Sun will have your head too, if you dare offend him with your plastic olive branch.."[/white]


((Sorry horrible post, got a case of writer's block..))

[Pan Zhang]

As Pan Zhang went it Taishi Ci passed him and went out... he was noticeably a little tipsy. Zhang kept moving though as he already seemed fixated on Lord Quan outside. After getting inside he was quick to find himself gravitating toward the wine. He happened to find a cup in his hand and the contents already down his throat before turning and seeing another young officer. This one's face he could recognize... a little more atleast, after turning back for a refill of his cup he walked over to Ling Tong.

"Why... if it's not one of those young shiney new officers that have been runing about as of late." He said taking in a first sip of the second cup of wine. "I do jest but still young master come tell me how fare you in the face of wu's grand succes?" He'd begun specficaly avoiding using his name cause he still couldn't remember but after fininshing his second swing at the wine and it became as if the alcohol made his memory all better. He laid right hand on Ling Tong's opposite shoulder. "Eh Ling Tong?" He said making a gesture for him to speak.

[Ling Tong]

Ling Tong heard someone talking behind him, as he took a sip of his drink, then turned when his name was mentioned. He looked upon the man and recognised a familiar face and smiled.

"Ah Pan Zhang", he paused then begun to answer his fellow officer's question. "Wu has achieved a great victory but as in war, we have suffered losses but we shall avenge them. For tonight, we celebrate our win and will never forget those who have passed on".

He smiled again then looked at him, "And how do you feel about this victory?"

[Zhou Yu]

The gates to Jian Ye swung open and the peoples of Wu burst into a grand cheer as Zhou Yu entered. Following close behind were his lord's marines and even after an epic battle they looked unscathed.

"Master Zhou Yu, please let me have your baby!"

A young lady, maybe 18, called out from amongst the crowd hoping that Gongjin would recognize her. The problem for her and others perplexed by the situation was that they were unsure whether he was gay or not. Zhou Yu was so handsome any creature on the earth would want to sex him up.

Zhou Yu simply ignored the girl and continued into the city with his final destination set on the palace. Once there, he dismounted from his magnificent steed and handed the reins over to a lowly soldier.

"Our lord is expecting you, sir" one of the guards stated, stepping toward the palace doors to assist his comrade in opening them.

Jian Ye was currently under construction and that included the large palace in the center. The two doors to Sun Quan's audience hall were big enough to crush three men flat.

Zhou Yu entered within the hall and bowed to his lord from a distance. He then removed his helmet, letting down his long black hair, and approached the throne. No other in Wu was quite as important as this man was. Gongjin was appointed Commander of the naval battle at Chi Bi and he struck a major victory for the allies against Wei with the help of some key players.

"Your father and brother would be proud of Wu's achievements as of late" he said, bowing once again to Sun Quan out of respect. True that Quan was the younger brother of Sun Ce, Zhou Yu's sworn brother, but the strategist would treat them as if equals.

Gongjin took up his spot by Sun Quan's side and awaited a response or other affairs of Wu to be raised.

[Cao Cao]

Wei Xiadi erupted in a burst of false laughter at the comments made by the general. “Very well, Ci.” He muttered, somewhat pleased with the results, “I will try and remember how great your rulers once were, but let us continue this according to custom.”

He flicked the fan from his pocket and extended it to fall by his side, “I am Wei Xiadi, the official lapdog of Wei as you so nicely put. I have come with three tasks in mind, neither of which need to be mentioned before a general. Cao Cao has given me a mission to speak with Lord Quan, and so I will wait patiently to be received by Lord Quan, since fools on horses do not dive into the world of politics – especially when they prove to know so little of it.”

His assistant had cringed by the words, he supposed it was natural – not many people would walk away after insulting a general, but Wu hadn’t kept its policies straight, so even if he would die, it’d only have proven that Wu really were a traitor to the findings of the Han.

“You forget.” He added, smiling, “That Cao Cao is the Imperial secretariat of the Han, meaning that in regards to relations, you still need to respect his title. Whatever you personally believe, relations with Cao Cao are the same as relations with the Emperor, and, do not even begin to opinionate your voice.”

He stared angrily at Tasichi Ci, almost telling him what to say and what not to say, “You are a low general to a regional lord of the Han, until your ruler declares otherwise you’re all still subjects to that of the Emperor’s will, unless of course you declare yourselves as traitors which you have not yet done according to the Imperial State. I did not come here to argue with the likes of a child in a man’s world. You speak as if you know anything about your countries development, when in reality all you have done is follow men who have fallen continuously, you’re a bad charm on any ruler with your past record – and please.”

He stepped closer, “Do not wave toys before a diplomat, it is against national custom to execute a messenger, now – Zhongdi.”

His limit had nearly reached its max, whether he died meant nothing, if he did die – then Wu really were barbarians from the south, a people that would never have the logical decency to ever rule the land with an iron grip.

“If you would be so kind as to remove this pest, I seek an audience with Sun Quan regarding our diplomatic relations. Killing me proves nothing, the era of the Three Kingdoms is close at hand –surely you see this, disregarding any aspect of Wei’s political and economic power will make you an enemy of Cao Cao’s forever, which he does not want. We all seek a goal here and I wish only to fulfil my pledge to my lord.”

He bowed low then, “If you would be so kind, good sir, these matters really are important to my lord.”

---

(Seriously, I know I got carried away but, Justin – you’re talking so much crap its unreal. This really isn’t how political discussions took place, wei and wu often made alliance straight after war, they didn’t have over-egotistical retards trying to make out their rulers were gods. xD can we get on with this or shall I just assume all negotiations are off.)

[Pan Zhang]

Pan Zhang gave a slight smirk, his hand found rest back at his side since the moment Ling Tong turned to face him it would've required much movement. He studied the facial expression breifly. "We just stepped into the equvilant of a feild horse's droppings.... and let me tell you we're knee deep." His faced staied in a light hearted expression as he said this. "But we knew that going in didn't we? It's war now, and thus it will stay untill such time as are cities lay in ruin, flags burnt, walls crumbled. Or their cities lay in ruin, and all the same like. Now then... this battle should easily hold up a long while, mabye for a life time, that being said I fear young one's such as yourself will be caught up in a mess like this your whole life. People trave this back to the Yellow Turbans of old I've lived long enough to know peace, I'd like you to live long enough to know it to." He then took pause to finish his cup of wine. Once he finished he continued. "Well... Look then, I've answered far more than my thoughts on the battle haven't I... and I hardly let you have a word in edgewise."

[Ling Tong]

Ling Tong nodded as Pan Zhang spoke and it was true. Now that the victory was won, Wei would not give up as easily and this battle would be a battle to remember for everyone, just like the Yellow Turbans which he mentioned.

"That is true and it is ok to speak your thoughts", he answered, "All we can do is hold on to our strength and continue to defend the lands of Wu. War will continue whilst there is still the stench of chaos roaming the air, but until peace is restored, it will always be like this".

[Pan Zhang]

"Ahhh... Yes, and yet here we are come please Tong, we talk of this like politicians would, let's us speak like our brothers around us are, regale me with a feat you endeavoured in the battle." He said with a bigger grin. however he also spent time looking for yet another refill. "I'd start the process myself however I merely accted in support roles, back up this unit. 2nd wave mid column commanding officer. But I perfer grunt work if I known it enabled my fellows to do great things." He finished this seemingly irrelevant follow up line only as a distraction since he was slowly backing up toward the table he gotten wine from upon first entering the hall. Handeling the jug with great care, so as not to drop anything from it and so he could refill it with out having to pull away from his conversation.