Cao Pi
King of Wei
Emperor of China
Posts: 233
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Post by Cao Pi on Jun 23, 2009 10:06:27 GMT -5
The Palace is situated within the central plaza of the city. Great pillars and walls adorn each side as a ramp waves through the first courtyard into the main city’s hall. Ahead of the hall is the second gate, where a barracks and a stable lean off on both sides. Beyond that is the main entrance to the palace, where guards are stationed on all sides leading into the inner throne room. There the respective governor or prefect resides, perched against the great golden throne of the cities constituency.
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Wei Yan
Warrior of Wu
The Beast Lives On
Posts: 39
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Post by Wei Yan on Jul 7, 2009 18:14:33 GMT -5
The sun had just fell past it's peak as two young warriors came into sight from the walls of Jian An. Behind them was a host of troops, most of them rabble or militia, but some of them actually armed and ready. The host of troops stopped though just as they came up the hill into sight. The two warriors on the other hand kept making their way towards the great city of Jian An though.
The guards from the walls would see two very well built looking men. One of them, a steel shield strapped to his left arm, a spear strapped to his saddle, and a shortsword on his side. He look baptized in fire. His shoulder length hair hung freely with a headband under it around his forehead. A few pieces of cloths wrapped around his hands much like peasent made gauntlets. More than anything though he looked pleasent, happy possibly.
The other man was much different. Sitting straight, proud, and battle hardened. The man wore his hair much like the man before him, with a headband as well, just like the man before him. The differance was on his saddle not only hung his spear, but also the metal mask with a wicked paiting upon it and tiger teeth adorned the buttom of the mask, which was just under his nose. Upon his back was strapped a wicked looking battle axe. His chest was all but bare, the only thing really covering with wa a few scraps of tiger fur over his chest, and a boar fur half cape. The rest of his bare torso was marked and covered with an assortment of tattooes. He to wore the cloth wrap guantlets.
The two finally came within speaking range with the guards of the walls and it was very apparent that the shielded warrior was not the one in charge for he slowed and let the tattooed warrior in front. And then the tattooed man spoke.
"Guards of Jian An, I am Wei Yan and I believe the lord of this land, Sun Ce is expecting me. Will you allow me in and let your lord know that I have arrived." The warrior's voice was loud and strong, but it was apparent he was trying to be respectful, even though it wasn't his style.
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jul 8, 2009 10:48:52 GMT -5
The day that Wei Yan entered the palace of Jian An was a day of military tribune. A march was on the horizon, and every citizen in Jian An could tell what was happening. Sun Ce, the Conqueror, had addressed the people the night before. He called for a march on Xu Chang, the Imperial Palace of Wei, and for the elimination of Cao Pi in direct defiance to his father's death.
Wei Yan entered a hectic palace and as he was let in by the guards at the gate, he could find no King of Wu. All he found was Sun Ce the general, the conqueror, donning silver armor and tiger furs with a spear nearby.
"Wei Yan, the mighty warrior. I have been waiting anxiously for your arrival. The fools who proclaim themselves emperor are to be killed today, and I was worried you would not arrive in time to join the festivities. Wei Yan, my friend, now that you are here, shall you accompany me to the rescue of imperial virtue?"
(When the battle starts, all members of Wu can just assume you're in Wu, so you don't need to do the palace post and such, just join me there.)
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Wei Yan
Warrior of Wu
The Beast Lives On
Posts: 39
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Post by Wei Yan on Jul 8, 2009 11:53:49 GMT -5
A march? It was clear in the eyes of Wei Yan as he walked the streets that he was impressed to say the least with the idea. His first day inside the walls of Jian An and he was already being asked to go to battle. His heart pounded inside his chest as he smiled to all the chaotic soldiers running about.
Then of course he saw Sun Ce, but it wasn't in the light he had expected to see him. Armor, weapons, tiger fur, the lord was becoming the warrior. Yan nodded his own acceptance of the idea to himself as he was being talked to.
"You plan to march on Xu Chang?" there was a pause as the warrior thought about their destination, "Hmph. Well then if that is the case, I'll prepare my own army and have Rai sharpen his blade. My friend, I will be seeing you on the battlefield I believe."
And with those words and a warriors bow Yan left the city to gather his army, most of him hoping that the march would move quickly. He needed a fight. Who didn't right now?
(Yeah, I'll just show up to the battle then. God Forbid I wanna RP. Haha! Just playing.)
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Post by Zhou Yu on Jul 8, 2009 13:05:40 GMT -5
Daytime in the cities of Yang providence was always such vivacious affairs. Unburdened by the harsh, biting colds of the northern and western regions and unfettered by the crushing weight of bureaucracy found in the Central Plains, the people floated along the streets and marketplaces like petals caught in a river wending and meandering along until they came to rest at their destinations. And the scents of fish and freshly steeped tea filled the nostrils of those that passed even remotely by the heart of town. It was a heartening scene that Gongjin never tired of, not since he first opened his eyes in the humble city of Lujiang. His family had strong ties to the rich lands of the south; dedication and prosperity marked their governance, though it was more the former that Gongjin took the greatest measure of pride in. Any man could excel, but to have one's family known for such things was by far the greater honor. It was, perhaps, the philosophy of a simple man, but Gongjin projected nothing but such simplicity. He calmly glided through the streets of Jian An, smiling politely and accepting the honors given to him by the commoners that noticed him graciously. Their kind words and friendly greetings were reciprocated with humble and warmly-intoned praise on the part of the young strategist. And then, much to his delight, the sound of a wind instrument wafted towards him from further down the road. Gongjin was a man of many passions but even among them music stood out. He could while the hours away listening to or playing tune after tune. Bright, cheery songs favored by the peasants, somber, solemn melodies favored by the scholars, even the intricate, vibrant melodies played by the young noble women seeking to display their merits as future wives; all of them brought lightness to his heart that could not be found nearly anywhere else. Politely excusing himself from the knot of merchants that had surrounded him, Gongjin traversed the distance between himself and the source of the sound until he found a young girl, her clothes marked her as the daughter of a merchant, practicing some basic melodies. So committed to her practice was she that even as he approached, she remained focused. Not wanting to ruin her concentration, Gongjin remained quiet, happy to listen to another aspiring artist, no matter where in her journey her skill placed her. She began well, but when she began to falter towards the midst of her piece, his hand darted to the Di Zi he carried in his sash and brought it to his lips in one smooth motion. Waiting until she returned to the chorus of her endeavor, he seamlessly joined her, his eyes half-closing as he immersed himself in the tune. When the girl realized she was being accompanied, she immediately ceased and when she saw by whom, she dropped to one knee, calling out his titled name in surprise. Finishing the chorus they had begun together, Gongjin appraised her with a generous smile and held up his Di Zi. "Would you care to play with me?" Her eyes wide, she nodded vigorously and brought her own instrument to her lips again as they began to play. It was a modest tune that took the young strategist back to his childhood, learning music amidst lessons in politics and swordplay, art and philosophy. Just like every other piece he learned, G¨ngj¨«n made a place for it in his heart, treasuring it alongside the many other happinesses he knew.She was still learning, but managed to follow him well for a time, and soon the pair had attracted a crowd with their tune. Standing, Gongjin resumed his walk towards the palace, his mind returning to the task at hand. He had to meet with his lifelong friend and prepare to muster the troops for a military campaign. Sun Bofu was a passionate leader, a powerful man, and Gongjin hoped that he would be able to be of some use to his friend; he would do his best, it was all he could do. Ending the tune with a playful flourish as he found himself outside the palace proper, Gongjin inclined his head to the guards on watch. "I seek an audience with Lord Bofu, might I be allowed to pass?"
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jul 8, 2009 13:41:51 GMT -5
Zhou Yu, the great strategist and general of Wu, a man who served Sun Jian with nothing but utmost respect and valor, called for an audience with Bofu at the entrance of the palace. Sun Ce himself had been scattering about, preparing his captains for the upcoming battle. It would be intense, it would be well-prepared and well thought out. More then anything else, though, it would be a surprise. Cao Pi would not be expecting a vicious assault on Xu Chang, even though Sun Ce had been winning many skirmished nearby the city.
It was all part of his plan. He scattered his army across the Central Plains, forcing the Wei Armies out of their formations they trained for. Instead of fighting in massive numbers and gigantic formations with stalwart tactics, they had fewer men, less minds to think up strategies and less commanders to enact them. Sun Ce, though costing him many men and much time, gained land slowly, his sights ultimately set on Xu Chang.
Here he stood now, addressing Wei Yan, the famed warrior of Jing. Bofu had thought the man would pledge service to Liu Bei after his victories in Yizhou, but his riders reacher Wei Yan first, and he was able to convince the man to meet him in Jian An for an audience. It seemed that Wei Yan would take to the field with Sun Ce for the time being. For that, Ce could breathe a sigh of relief.
"Come then," He said, "And help me lead my siege. I have heard tales blown my way from the western wind directly from the province of Jingzhou, and for that I have called for you. If you are merely half the warrior they say you are, you shall be a golden asset to my army. I give you, Master Wei Yan, the rank of Vanleader for this assault on Xu Chang. I will give you siege engines, and with those you shall batter the False Emperor's walls. I will give you soldiers, and with them you shall slay all who pledge service to him. I will give you trust, and with that you may do as you will to do me proud or forsaken yourself. I will give you an opportunity... and with that you may find the honor you seek."
Sun Ce spoke bold and proud, and as he began to speak of the opportunity to gain honor through battle, the gave Wei Yan a sharp gaze.
"You are a warrior, Wei Yan," Sun Ce said, placing his hand on his audience's shoulder, "And as a warrior, you shall find no holier place then the ranks of Wu. Now form your ranks, my ally. The next time we see each other it will be with blades brandished and blood on our faces!"
Sun Ce saluted his newest general. He did not wish to favor the man, but he respected him so much simply for the tales of his might, he knew that it could be seen through the fire in his eye. He had not been so excited to go to war with a man in years. But it wasn't only the fellow warrior's presence on the battlefield that had the fury of Bofu enlightened. It was revenge. Two years prior, Sun Jian was called to Xu Chang for words of peace, and it was Xu Chang where he was betrayed and killed. Sun Ce held his father in his hands, tears cascading down to his lifeless body. The Imperial Palace would bring back terrible memories of that day, but Sun Ce thought those memories would be ridden with the amber flamed grasping the palace and tearing it apart.
At this time, Zhou Yu had entered the palace, and he was greeted by a warm smile from his old friend Bofu.
"Zhou Yu... brother. What audience do you request this day?"
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Da Qiao
Warrior of Wu
Angels fall without you there...
Posts: 44
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Post by Da Qiao on Jul 8, 2009 14:05:00 GMT -5
(Meh I need to make a post with her somewhere so ^^)
Da Qiao let out a deep breath lightly as to not disturb anyone inside or outside of the building at least for the moment. It had always been that way sense Da could remember, she was perceived as gentle and to be more quiet then her sister. A gentle daughter, sister, and now fiance something about it though she would not trade for anything in the world it suited her. Standing out among the beautiful garden Da brushed a few pieces of hair behind her hair lightly she was simply content with it being that way. A red silk dress hugged Da's beautiful curves as she leaned down to pick a flower that was in front of her, giving it a small tug.
Smiling she let the aroma fill her lungs at least for the moment before she let a content smile play on her red lips as to say that she was happy where she was. Even in these beautiful times Da knew that outside the walls a war was ravaging on people who were less fortunate then her. Not everyone was engaged to someone from the Sun family though Da did not mean to be ungrateful about it in the least bit. It was seemingly flawless engagement and both of them were a good match, Sun Ce was the strong and handsome warrior carrying on the Wu legend and Da Qiao was the beautiful and gentle maiden to stand by his side. In honesty though around Sun Ce, Da had to keep herself from turning all sorts of shades of red...it was rather embarrassing in all honesty.
Her feelings towards her fiance were of admiration at least that was what she was showing in honesty whenever he needed her to be there for him she would be. When she was young Da could always remember with her sister making up stories about the person they would marry or more in less fall in love with. Now somehow she sort of felt as though it was playing out in front of her eyes and somehow it hardly felt real, though she needed to snap out of her thoughts. There were wars destroying the world what right did she have to be living in her own fantasy world? Rather silly of her, Da thought to herself as she softly laugh and shook her head rather lightly.
Putting down the flower that was in her hands Da made her way up the stone path, softly her feet hit the path gently and Da ran a hand threw her hair. Before entering the building Da put her hair in a ponytail that draped over her shoulder. The guards gave a gentle smile to there lords fiance as they opened the door for her so that she may enter. "Milady" they said quietly giving her a bow before a beautiful smile painted across her gentle lips as she looked at them for a few moments. "Thank you gentlemen" her voice was soft and sweet as she bowed to them "I hope that I am not to much trouble" Da stated simply.
Hearing a few voices travel threw out the hallway she merely found a good place to stand off to the side listening to what they had to say she immediately knew one of them to be Sun Ce. The other one Da was not all that familiar with her and curiosity seemed to want to get the best of her and somehow she would allow it. Lightly she peaked to see who it was and soon her eyes layed upon a warrior, he looked very much serious about the war to come and Sun Ce simply told him to be ready. It appeared as though a war was to fall upon them, something about it though she could not say that she did not see coming after all Wei was powerful. The people needed change, a new ruler and somehow Da sort of hoped that new ruler could be Sun Ce he deserved it after all he had been threw.
His father was gone, the thought of it made her look at the ground and think about it all, then his siblings were who knew where spread across the land. Soon after the warrior left, another man entered and it did not take her all that long to recognize it was Zhou Yu which made her a bit more comfortable at the moment. Smiling lightly she finally decided that standing there and saying very little would not get her very far plus the fact that merely watching was disrespectful to her fiance. Stepping in her fingers were laced together and she gave a light smile to Zhou Yu as she gave a small bow to Sun Ce. "Lord" her voice was gentle as Da spoke and glanced around for a few moments "I do hope I am not intruding on anything to important" her tone was sincere.
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Post by Zhou Yu on Jul 8, 2009 15:45:43 GMT -5
Bowing formally, even in light of the familar title offered to him by his friend, Gongjin let his eyes flicker to Da Qiao as he spoke. He had not intended to interrupt her, or rather, the two of them from eachother. A part of him wondered when his own wife, the sister Xiao, would return to be with him.
"Nothing of note, forgive me Lord Bofu. I assumed that in light of your preparations you would be ready to join your men soon, I sought to be here that I might accompany you, provided you had use for me."
Bofu was known for his great military ambitions, and this campaign was no different. A strike at Wei, the most politically powerful faction in the land would lead to a rampant progession of conflicts between the different leaders and their ambitions to control the country. While he might see wisdom in some of the philosophies espoused by others, Gongjin was a servant of the Sun family and had been his whole life. In Bofu he saw the future of the land, and so long as the powerful young Sun leader had use for him, Gongjin would serve.
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Post by Taishi Ci on Jul 8, 2009 16:35:00 GMT -5
As the war machine churns within Jian An three riders approach unnoticed towards the palace. At the point sits Taishi Ci, flanked on both sides by his two companions as they draw nearer to the palace. All around them the men of Wu prepare themselves within their formations, and as the men draw nearer Taishi Ci realizes this is no military formality, they are indeed preparing for war.
At last the riders arrive at the main gate of the palace and the three dismount. Taishi Ci unsheathes his sword and marches towards Sun Ce quickly, a nearby soldier fearing the aggressive nature of Ci moves in front of him but is quickly dismissed with a shove, and a silence quickly becomes apparent as guards of the palace begin moving towards Sun Ce to protect him, but not quickly enough. Taishi Ci arrives withing steps of Ce with his sword still drawn and then abruptly falls to his knee, bowing his head and laying his sword in front of him.
"My lord Sun Ce, please forgive me for my absence as you have prepared for war. What is it you would have me do to help you in your preparations."
The guards around Sun Ce let out a sigh, relieved they did not have to fight a man of Taishi Ci's size and strength, and let out a nervous laugh with one another. Taishi Ci has returned to Sun Ce.
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jul 8, 2009 20:27:49 GMT -5
All that had needed to come to pass had come and gone. War was on the horizon, and though new soldiers hoped to for-stall their waking into the fields of battle, there was nothing that would do so. The economy of Wu, burning with the same ferocity of its leader, had turned to the tides of war. Mass production of swords and bows and arrows and armor, Wu was as ready for war as it could be. Sun Ce had conscripts called up and trained for years since the day of his father's death. That day he remembered so well, that day that could never be burned from his soul, despite the Conqueror's intentions to attempt such.
Sun Ce was burning with fury. His muscles were tense, behind his lips gritted teeth. He could not wait to stand at the walls of Xu Chang with the dogs of Wei surrounding him to be tossed aside by steel and by might. Despite such a anxiety begging for war within the Lord of Wu, he waited patiently while he dealt with the matters of his palace. Zhou Yu arrived, and his presence was at least calming. An old friend and a man who had served him since the day he was born. If ever there was a man of loyalty, honor, bravery and cunning, there was a man in the stance of Master Gongjin.
"Nothing of note, forgive me Lord Bofu," Zhou Yu said, "I assumed that in light of your preparations you would be ready to join your men soon, I sought to be here that I might accompany you, provided you had use for me."
"Ah, my old friend, there is nothing to forgive," Replied Sun Ce, "With spear in hand... with steel gripping my flesh, I am indeed ready to join my men. The march shall commence, I require only a moment."
At this time, Taishi Ci arrived to the palace. His arrival was expected, and anxiously awaited. He inquired what his service would be for the upcoming battle, and Sun Ce responded immediately.
"The mighty Taishi Ci... it has been too long. Of course, it would be in the eve of battle that brings us together once again. Do you not remember, that is the first time we met. The heat of battle, you were the best opponent I have ever fought. To see you fight on the battlefield again would bring back bad memories of how you almost killed me those many years ago.
"You will serve Zhou Yu, here. Wisdom and cunning guide you both, and together you shall make a pair on the battlefield that Cao Cao himself shall fear in hell. You shall guide my main force along with Zhou Yu and Wei Yan. Please be careful, Master Taishi Ci, for I do believe you still owe me a duel."
It was then that she arrived. The moment she spoke, he turned around, and immediately the tensity within him was calmed, and his heart beat faster for a different reason. As she addressed Zhou Yu, he then dismissed his officers.
"Interrupting, my lady? No, not at all. But please, it is not within the culture of my family nor my own desire that my future wife call me lord. I may govern cities and I may lead armies, but to you... I am no lord. Please, my dear, come with me."
Sun Ce held out his hand, and gently led her past the throne toward some of the more quiet areas of the palace. He stopped close to the strategist corner, where the tacticians began plotting the capture of Xu Chang. Strategists, for all their mumbling opinions, were much quieter then generals when it came to courtly manner.
"Da Qiao... I do know this may not be how you thought your life to be. Your father is a powerful man as my father once was and as I am now. Though I have your hand in marriage, I did not earn it through you, but through your father and through my own name. I want you to know that I though I lead my army to war today... that when I return, and believe me I will, I will earn your love. Not through anybody else, but through the beating of your own heart. Do not worry for me, just know that when I return you shall find yourself a true husband."
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Post by Chen Zen on Jul 8, 2009 20:42:24 GMT -5
Standing near the side of the road three men stood in the midst of town. They had just recently arrived in the city of Jain An so they were unsure of what was happening at the moment. One of the three men glanced over at the other two as he spoke "so Wu is going to war?" The other two seemed to nod in agreement to his question. "so shall we go see if they have a spot for us on the front line?" the larger of the three said with anxiousness of battle. The last of the three with out a single word began walking in the direction of the palace. The other two men looked over seeing him leaving and they ran after him both yelling in near unison "Zen wait up." The three walked through the crowds of people and soldiers while on their way to the palace where the leader of Wu, Sun Ce, was most likely residing at the moment. As they finally made it into the courtyard of the palace the one they called Zen saw a large man charge Sun Ce while wielding his sword. Zen seemed to step forward quickly getting ready to assist when he saw the man bow before Sun Ce. Zen let out a slight sigh then glanced over at his two companions. When he turned his head back to Sun Ce he saw a beautiful woman speaking with him. He did not know of her name but he could see Sun Ce's interest in her. He decided it was best to wait until Lord Sun Ce had finished his conversation with the woman. He saw them both walk away. The other two men glanced at Zen. "what do we do now?" the larger man said. The other man sighed "I don't know"
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Da Qiao
Warrior of Wu
Angels fall without you there...
Posts: 44
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Post by Da Qiao on Jul 8, 2009 22:01:00 GMT -5
Giving a nod to Zhou Yu she wished that she had something to tell him at least as to where Xiao was but in honesty she had the littlest of ideas where her sister was. It was a rather sad situation as she knew the man cared deeply for her sister but she had nothing to tell him as far as where the young girl was looking at him though she hoped she would be back soon. 'Xiao what could be keeping you away from your family...' she thought to herself as Da's eyes glanced around the room for a few moments. It was obvious that a battle was soon to spread across the land and tensions seemed high as she stood in the room watching everyone as they ran around. Threw the fray another man seemed to come in and was coming at Sun Ce...though he stopped and Da let out a deep sigh it would of been pretty bad for someone to come in and take his life in such a shameful way letting out a breath of comfort she watched.
It appeared as though this was another man who wished to serve under Ce's wing which was quite impressive standing there Da merely seemed to observe. Hardly one for disturbing anything like this after all she knew fully who she was engaged to and he was a ruler which made her proud. He was helping a shattered land to piece its self together which was something admirable at least to her she found it to be a admirable quality in someone. Even though she did realize that in a few moments he would have to leave, off to the war but something in her told her he was not about to disappear like that...he would be back. Da would wait naturally, that was part of who she was...it was honorable to wait for someone who was so kind to you, he always had been.
Hearing his statement Da looked at him lightly she smiled "I understand lo-....Sun Ce" she said shaking her head and her cheeks turned slightly pink. It was rather stupid of her to be calling him lord after he had told her not to do so but she was just so use to having to be formal around people. It was merely how she was raised, Da did stop herself and would try to not be so formal in the future especially sense she was about to marry this man. They should be comfortable around each other, that made the most sense to her, after all she hated to be tense around the person she would spend the rest of her life with. Then again, around him she felt calm but then again she felt nervous...it was rather complicated mix of feelings that she was not sure how to look at them.
Feeling his hands in hers, Da went with him, wondering what it would be that her fiance could need of her after all he was about to leave for war. They were more by themselves now and Da's eyes seemed to soften as she looked into his she fully understood the seriousness of the situation they were in. Hearing his statement she nodded and smiled at him "I trust you Sun Ce" reaching around her neck she took off the locket she wore everyday putting it in his hand gently. "You do not have to earn my love" she said squeezing his hand as she stood there looking at him "you've had it all along" Da said as she let her hand rub his cheek lightly. "There are people that deserve your attention more then me, I know you'll come back to me" Da said lightly looking down at their hands.
Shaking her head at his last statement Da looked at him "you've always been kind to me and even standing here with you now I have no doubt that you will be a good husband". Smiling at him she leaned up a bit and kissed his cheek "I'll be waiting for you" her voice was light and sincere. It was clear that everything she was saying to her fiance was true and Da did mean it with her whole heart she was not one to say something she did not think over first. He had been good to her sense the first day they had met, even if he thought that it was necessary for him to prove that he deserved her love there was nothing she admired more then him just thinking he needed to earn such a thing. Da wanted him to know that he had earned her trust and her love a while ago even if it was a arranged marriage she hardly thought anything less of him.
"Looking at you today I have no doubt in my mind that your father would of been proud of the man you have become" Da said lightly as she looked at him. "You've shown everyone what it means to be a member of the Sun family" he had risen to power and had not let it corrupt him in the least bit. "This war will only show that further to the world, the man that you so admirably are, so go with your men and show them just that" Da ended her statement and looked at him, somehow she could not help but smile. In honesty she could of not asked for anyone better to call her husband, today Da knew he would leave into a world that was unsure and scared but he would return and the world would be a little less unsure, and fear would pass away if only for a moment. Today was the day that everyone would prove their worth regardless of who won this war or not, this was a defining day.
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jul 8, 2009 23:32:48 GMT -5
Sun Ce had found himself the warmth of heart in the eve of battle. Where once he was tense, now he was calm. Where once his mind was chaotic, thinking of tactics and mantras of war, how to gain speed upon a horse, the proper technique with a spear, now his mind was soothed. He thought only of Da Qiao, the beautiful mistress who stood before him, and of her beauty, and of how much he would give to make this moment last just a few minutes more. His words to her were sincere, and they were true. He gained her hand through her father, but he had fallen for her the moment his eyes laid upon her gentle face.
He looked down to his hand, gently holding onto hers. He had not yet fastened his gauntlets. He wanted to wait for her, so that he may feel her soft skin to remind him of what he would be returning home to. She reached behind her neck and took the locket, placing it carefully in Sun Ce's hand. He couldn't help but smile as she spoke. She was kind with her words. Nothing could she have said more to ready himself for the coming days.
"The locket is beautiful. Thank you," Sun Ce said, blushing as she gently rubbed his cheek.
"Looking at you today I have no doubt in my mind that your father would of been proud of the man you have become," Da Qiao said, "You've shown everyone what it means to be a member of the Sun family."
Her words had the mighty Conqueror of Wu moved almost to tears. His eyes shined bright beneath the lights, his golden eyes gazing into his fiance with compassion. As she finished, Sun Ce stood tall, lifting his hand to the back of her head, carefully caressing her soft hair while gently pulling her head closer. He lowered his head to place his lips on her forehead, embracing her close to his body. Though he was wearing armor, Sun Ce thought, perhaps she could feel the beat of his his heart through it.
"You will make a fine wife, my dear Da Qiao. I will hurry home so I may see you again."
Sun Ce, taking one final moment, slowly released her, finding nothing more to be said, simply nodding to her while walking past her. His gentle side would be washed away immediately by the tiger within. It would had to.
Before he took more then five steps, his eye caught a trio of warriors. The Conqueror of Wu blushed, noticing that they had seen the mighty Sun Ce's soft side he rarely showed, especially considering these men looked to be in his service. He pointed at them, signaling them to follow him to the council chambers, where the generals were preparing their steeds for ride. Outside the palace, the beating of shields on armor could be heard, the roar of the army audible loud and with glee. They were preparing to march, and their captains rallied them by the brigades. Speaking to his new company, he sharpened his voice, speaking with a deep tone to erase their visions from before.
"You are... men of Wu. Tell me, why have you strayed from your ranks?" Sun Ce said, unaware of the fact that these were not soldiers of Wu, but looking to pledge service. Sun Ce was busy this day, such small details had escaped him. All that he saw were three armored men in a court filled with the same.
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Post by Chen Zen on Jul 8, 2009 23:56:03 GMT -5
The three men were silently observing their soon to be liege and what they suspected was his mistress. The man named Zen was slightly on edge. His fingers slowly wrapped around the hilts of his two dual swords. His hand tensed and he squeezed them tightly. He wasn't expecting to be nearly on the verge of war when he decided to come. Although he did not fear the coming battle he was still nervous.
The larger of the three men let out a slight yawn and looked over at the other two standing next to him. "you guys think this Sun Ce is all he is cracked up to be? From what I can see he is just some guy with lots of shiny armor." he glanced over at the woman that Sun Ce was speaking to. "althought I have to admit he has good company" he suddenly grinned slightly.
The third of the three heard his companion speak and shook his head and let out a large sigh as he swung out his arm and punched the man in the shoulder. "Zang don't even think about it" The large man named Zang looked at his friend while his still had his grin across his face "awww but I haven't seen a real woman in months....theres no harm done right zing?"
Zing rolled his eyes slightly as he looked over towards Sun Ce and the woman they were just speaking of. "If we are to serve the might Sun Ce, son of the tiger of jian dong Sun Jian, we must show respect. In my mind I am seeing that even looking at his mistress is a horrible disrespect and you should know that is true."
The man named Zen looked up to see that Sun Ce had come before them. He stepped infront of Zing and Zang which quickly made them look up and refrain from speaking any longer. Zen listened closely to what the lord of Wu said but then a slightly confused look appeared across his face. He shook his head began to speak trying to be completly respectful in his choice of words. "I am afraid you are mistaken my lord. We three have just arrived in your lushious city in hopes of being recruited as officers under the mighty Sun Ce." He suddenly lowered himself onto one knee and lowered his head. As he did this the other two men followed suit. "Our names are Chen Zen, Chen Zing, and Chen Zang. We three brothers honorably request that you allow us the privalige to join under your ranks my lord."
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jul 9, 2009 11:27:11 GMT -5
Sun Ce looked over the three soldiers, who apparently were not men of Wu. Their leader, Chen Zen held with his stance a sense of honor. Two swords at his waist, Bofu could tell from the look on his face that he was a hardened and well trained swordsman who longed for battle once more. If he was seeking battle, he had strolled into no better a place upon no better a day. Wu was an active army, conquering all of Jiang Dong and much of Jing and resting only once its lord had died. But they had returned, and they would not rest until he was avenged, and it would appear as though Chen Zen, opposed leader of the three brothers, would be in line to aid the new head of the Sun Family.
At his sides were his brothers. They appeared mighty, but neither seemed to hold the same aura of honor within their soul. Regardless, good soldiers were hard to come by these days, and loyalty in times of betrayal was a golden crown resting upon a throne of ash and thorn. Sun Ce looked upon them and spoke.
"Ah, I apologize. You had me fooled for soldiers of Wu. But it is not all foul.. for that is what you wish to become," Sun Ce said, "But my officers have all been in service of Wu for generations, born into the line of duty. Zhou Yu is my oath brother, we are bound not by blood but by faith, as many of my officers feel a similar bond. I am not denying you into the ranks of Wu's armies, I merely wish to test your vigor and loyalty in battle before I decide how you may be of service.
"And there is no better time, my friends. What say you three gentlemen? Will you ride by my side so I may better judge your might?"
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