A Palace, A room far away from all others

[Liu Bei]

A meeting between men of respectful kingdoms. Shibo, Grand Devil of the southern river lunged off of his horse as he and another man from Ma Teng's Kingdom made their way past the gates to the royal palace. Just moments before they had sped through the busy, yet dark streets of Chang An as though they were attempting to break the previous record. Both men looked rather gallant, their spears out for all to see, their robes rustling around in the cool breeze. Shibo looked to the sky, taking in the magnificent moon, full in all its glory, a sea of stars surrounding it. He'd tell his lord once he returned to Chang Sha of what he'd seen when he gazed up into sky in Chang An.. But for now, his mind was far off in another day, two minutes ahead of their position, his words and sayings preparing to be crafted so they'd be laid out nicely for the King of Liang, Ma Teng.. Each man took each step methodically, both had done this before, whether but a week before or years ago, each knew to be friendly and casual, whether this was their home or not. The man from Teng's army lead the way, taking his companion to a deep study within the palace, far away from the throne room. It was lit with a massive array of candles, though light was seldom. Ma Teng sat in the dim light, his hands intertwined just in front of his face, grasping on to a large sheathed sword that dug into the ground beneath him. He wore a large, majestic cape with his crown upon his head, fitting tightly.. Even in casual wear, this man looked as though prepared for war. His eyes met with Shibo, the commander from Shu bowing, keeping his eyes on the Qiang lord. Shoucheng bade him to sit, in which Shibo did, quickly, knowing the meeting would last well throughout the night.. With a calm, yet concerned voice, the man from Shu began spoke..

"Master Shoucheng, what is it I, rather Shu can do for you, as of this night?"

[Ma Teng]

Ma Teng's distant eyes had lurked within this room for the past few hours, neither knowing whether day had come yet or night still held the sky in its clutches. He didn't care, he was shut off from the outside, a place where he belonged. He wouldn't allow a single man to take entrance into the room, he'd hold himself up in his study for years if he needed to. Hell, he'd been in here for a long time, ever since an attempt had failed, and he'd sent one of his sons to Chang Sha, to speak with Liu Bei. And he'd sent a man who intern was well known to the Kingdom of Qiang, especially their King. Shibo, the famed Devil of the Jiang had saved Ma Teng's life long ago on the road to Cheng Du. This was just after the Qiang kingdom had halted its marches, Ma Teng being convinced this was a war he should fight by a mysterious man from the east, or even perhaps the far west.. As he retreated Yan Yan ambushed Ma Teng, who was with but a few bodyguards. The legendary might of Shibo and but a few men were hot on their enemy's tail, when they came across the King fighting for his life. Even though Teng had given up on the assault, Shibo aided Shoucheng with his very life, in the name of victory, in the name of hope. He felt just as much gratitude to Ma Teng as his lord, Xuande had always felt. The three were friends, all in the west knew this well.. Ma Teng unhooked his fingers from his blade, his right hand grasping the large sword and raising it above his head. With his left, he grasped the sheath, or the cover of the weapon. Metal on metal began to echo in the room as Ma Teng looked up the blade, fascinated with it, and how he held its power. Then, as though returning to earth he looked upon Shibo, slowly lowering the blade so it rested, pointed to the floor again. His words were calm as well, like that of a reminiscing friend.

"It appears I've over stepped my boundaries, or he just seeks to old capital, yet again. An attempt at my life had failed, and I sent word for Shu immediately. I'm glad you've appeared in the most desperate times, Shibo.. I have no proof, as the man poisoned himself while my officers tried to apprehend him. But I think we both know who has ordered such a deed.. You must return to your lord, and tell him of how I feel upon this issue.."

"Yet, should this be our last moments together, suppose we make the best of it?..."

The two go on with it for the entire night, in the morning Shibo rides out again to return to Chang Sha, a dissatisfied look upon his face. He sought to see the grand king, yet found a beaten man..