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Post by rotkplayer on Jun 15, 2006 3:22:37 GMT -5
"I see, yes, I would speak with Lord Zihuan then thank you," Zixiao replied, not allowing his curiosity to show. For his cousin to be absent suggested something important, and suddenly Zixiao was glad that he was being given the chance to serve, it appeared that Mengde might even find a use for him, were he lucky enough.
Yi had the good taste to say nothing, keeping his marveling to himself as they traversed the long corridors of the palace. The fine marble shimmered in the torch light, and their regimented footfalls broke the silence quite nicely. It even went so far as to stir in Zixiao a memory of his son organizing the other children in the village and teaching them to march as Zixiao had taught him. Of course, now Yi had the chance to organize a real standing army with his efforts, one of many potential duties which Zixiao expected they would encounter in their service.
When they arrived in the throne room, Zixiao noted that Zihuan sat upon the central throne. Had Mengde appointed him as a prefect or? Well, not that it truly mattered in the end; as long as a Cao sat upon a throne, there would be order and peace in the land. Zihuan had grown older since Zixiao had last seen him, and the young man was beginning to look more and more like his father every day, though as Zixiao recalled, the younger Cao did not like being compared to others, preferring to secure his own fame, make his own name rather then be spoken of as "just another" Cao.
A minister greeted them at the entrance to the throne room, and after Zixiao and Yi introduced themselves to him, they both calmly awaited their chance to approach and address Zihuan and his Lady. Zhen Ji had not been lost on Zixiao, oh no, one with a visage such as hers was not easily forgotten by any man. That she was also proving herself to be competent as both a leader and administrator spoke very well of her, particularly in a time when most women were fortunate if they were even taught to read.
When they finally were permitted to approach the throne, the father and son halted at either the respectful, or required distance from it and saluted, smartly driving clenched fists into open palms and bowing before their future superiors and speaking when granted the abilty to.
"Lord Zihuan, it is good to see you again. My lady,"Zixiao continued, offering her another bow as a show of additional respect, his son, standing at his right flank, echoed the gestures of his father and remained dutifully silent. "My son, Cao Yi and I have come seeking to enter the service of my cousin in an effort to honor our bond of blood. It is my fondest wish that there is a place within the new and ordered world that our family will build for even one such as I."
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Sima Mao
Peon
"Return Not From Which You Came, But Only Press Foreword."
Posts: 25
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Post by Sima Mao on Jun 15, 2006 10:18:51 GMT -5
Sima Mao shrugged when he was received last, but he didn’t take it to heart, as he was unknown. He listened to Cao Pi speak instead of Cao Cao, who appeared absent. His red polished armor glittered in the sunlight that seemed to seep into the palace from various windows and doors.
“I thank you Lord Cao Pi, Lady Zhen Ji, for your kindness. I shall come when you summon, or send a messenger, as I will set my encampment outside as not to bother the peasants to much.”
With that Sima Mao made a curt bow with his head, and spun around on his heel. It seemed almost flawless. His cape seemed to flow around him, as though to envelope him in gray. He soon walked out, and his cape soon fluttered behind him. As he exited the palace, his weapons were returned to him, as well as his horse was soon lead out.
Mao soon mounted the Korean small horse, and made his way to the gate. He nodded his head to the gate guard, who responded in kind. As the lone rider finally came to his men, Hua Dan came up beside him, taking the horse’s harness; he looked up at his Lord.
“So, we are now under Cao Cao, yes?”
Sima Mao looked down, nodding his head.
“We are indeed, now we follow their banner into battle. Now our men have sense of purpose.”
Hua Dan nodded as Mao got off the horse, and walked into the camp. A young man lead Hyundai away, and Dan followed after Mao. Maybe there was even a bounce to his steps, it only got tougher now.
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Post by Zhen Xi on Jun 15, 2006 11:24:38 GMT -5
*Cao Pi and Zhen Ji looked upon the two men that presented themselves. The first was none other than Cao Cao's cousin, Cao Ren himself. The other was his son Cao Yi, whom was about Pi's age. Pi was delighted to have more of his family coming back together again. He stood up and walked towards the two, shaking first Ren's hand, then Yi's.*
Cao Pi: [blue]"Of course you may offer your services to us. It is with utmost joy that I welcome you into Wei. Nothing is stronger than a family's bond, and with it, the Cao name will be known and feared across the land."[/blue]
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Post by Damian on Jun 15, 2006 12:49:00 GMT -5
*Damian listened intently to Cao Pi's response, sensing something about his tone, but not being able to place exactly what it was. He bowed respectly once more to both rulers, which now were his to protect.*
"Understood, M'lord..."
*With his acceptance know granted, Damian turned and departed the massive structure which he would soon become accustomed too, he hoped. As he exited the palace gates, he quickly found the guard who had been holding his two weapons and retrieved them. With nothing more than hint of a smirk on his face, he left the palace, thoughts flying through his mind...*
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Mortiss
Captain
Unleash Hells Fire!
Posts: 469
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Post by Mortiss on Jun 15, 2006 13:49:05 GMT -5
*With a malicious smile and a crack of his neck Mortiss stormed out of the Castle not saying a word, pushing past anyone who got in his way.*
(Awesome post!)
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Post by Ryuu on Jun 16, 2006 11:18:22 GMT -5
A bustling city, horrid to tell the truth. The smell of so many individuals in such an area is gruesome to not only the nose but to the eyes and mouth as well. In an area where the stench of both animal and man fuse together to create a smell that makes your eyes water and you mouth turn dry, well, this was the city that the warrior would soon call his home. As he wandered he took in the life, the aura, that the city expressed with its people pushing and running about. In essense, this city, the capital of the Kingdom of Wei, was a reminder of home. Individuals worked hard in the fields to scrouge any money they could get for what they grew, while the merchants scream and chant at all passerbyers in hopes of selling one of the wares for a price a little bit higher than it should be sold.
Ah, the rustle and bustle of a city full of life. Children ran about playing with one another as there were two pairs of eyes watching over them - the slight glance of a mother and the other from that of a trader who sold children as slaves for profit. A pity in truth it some it's assumed that this was a part of life. A blend of both good and evil...or better yet evil and those who were even more evil. Although some actions are meant to be "good" in the eyes of others they're nothing more than selfish actions that seek positive reciprocity in the future.
Rewards is what draws people to take action. No one does anything out of pure good will as they would be the "stupid thing to do." If someone loans another individual money there is that expectation that it should be paid back in some way. Even gifts, if I give you something than I expect something in return when I should get a gift - birthdays are probably the best example of this. Those who become soldiers work for fame and wealth at the risk of their lives - a balance if you think about it. To receive luxuries in your life at the risk of living.
Still as - *Thud.*
[Voice] "Watch where you're going!"
"The hell?"
The warrior shook himself out of his daydreaming, his comprehension and attempts to understand questionable facts of life. Instead of pulling for understanding he had to force himself to listen to one of the many idiots of the street. His eyes narrowed into a glare as he stared at the guard he had ran over. Covered in armor the warrior merely stared at the vunerable spots as he does with any enemy. Either way it seems that he made his way to castle.
[Guard] "Watch your tone of voice with m-"
"Tch."
The warrior walked past the guard who still laid on the dirt and gravel before the caslte, and he slowly entered through the doors in hopes of seeing the King or Queen of the Kingdom.
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Zhang Liao
Peon
Loyalty and Honor above all else.
Posts: 11
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Post by Zhang Liao on Jun 16, 2006 12:26:30 GMT -5
(( OOC: Sorry about the wait, there. I've been checking up on other sites, and just today managed to come back here. ))
Zhang Liao stood as Cao Pi had commanded him to, standing straight, his posture undeniably that of the warrior he was.
"Master Cao Pi, I am Zhang Wenyuan, warrior formerly in the service of Master Cao Mengde, your father. I must express that I am... Deeply ashamed, as I temporarily withdrew his service from a harsh sickness. But now, I return stronger, and my undying loyalty to Wei still stands, if you would accept me."
He bowed low at the waist, then stood again, looking at Zihuan with those battle-hardened eyes of his.
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Post by Zhen Xi on Jun 16, 2006 14:33:44 GMT -5
*The one named Zhang Liao stood when Cao Pi asked, and presented himself. He explained why he had been absent for so long, and wished to rejoin Wei in its quest for greatness. Cao Pi sat there staring at the man with his arms crossed and one hand slowly moving his fingers over his chin, deep in thought. Then finally he nodded and spoke.*
Cao Pi: [blue]"I have heard great things of you, Wenyuan. You did serve my father well, and I trust you will serve me the same. Welcome."[/blue]
*Once Pi had finished speaking with Liao, he noticed a figure walk through the palace doors. Before the guards could stop him, Pi stood up and gestured at them to let him through. Many men had wished to speak with him today, and he figured this one would also, so he wanted them to get on with it. That way he could rest and drift back into his own thoughts. He waited for the man to apporach.*
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Zhang Ren
Thug
"Look upon life as a game, war is a mere chance card in the game"
Posts: 51
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Post by Zhang Ren on Jun 16, 2006 20:39:43 GMT -5
Two knocks on the doors of the palace echoed throughout the incredibly large building. The doors opened slowly as a head guardgave the order. As soon as they opened, sunlight shined through the opening, letting in both a cool breeze and a delicate sunshine. A typical winters day obviously.
There, stood a man in his late twenties. Long jet black hair, frizzy, but kept in place along his neck and down to the top of his spine. He was dressend in a mix between a dress and a robe. His face had neatly p[alced facial hair as well as.........a purple bandage going across his left eye. Immediatley at this mark, the man was known as Cao Cao's cousin, Xiahou Dun.........
The famous general who had lost his eye during a battle against the army of Lu Bu. This tale was famous among men, how he was shot by Cao Xing, however, in a fit of rage, slew the man then ate his eyeball. The man was feared for both his emotions and skill with his scimitar. He was known to have drawn with Lu Bu in a duel. A truly remarkable feat.....
(Heh........you always like your building massive didn't you cousin......)
He thought this as he slowly walked down the massive and rich building known as the castle of Ye. He looked to the end of the carpet to see, not Cao Cao, but his son, Cao Pi. Xiahou Dun didn't know what to expect, he was more cruel than his father, and yet, somehow seemed to be more skilled in intelligence......Would he be a rightful ruler, would he take Wei to the next level? Time would tell.....
Xiahou Dun slowly reached the throne of Cao Pi, he looked at the face of cao Pi before slowly lowering to one knee. Cao Pi had the same features as Cao Cao. A sharp face and far-seeing eyes, however, there was more of a..........calm..........aura around Cao Pi.......
"Lord Cao Pi, Son of Lord Mengde. I am the faithful officer and cousin of Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun. Surely you must have heard of my many exploits? Allow me to serve you as once I served your father"
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Post by Ryuu on Jun 16, 2006 22:14:12 GMT -5
The warrior smirked with a certain flare in his eyes as he watched the guards step back. The mere factor of their loyalty combined with their fears of their leader made the warrior have a quiet laugh to himself. A pity, or yet understandable. Death was the consequence and the idea of living sounds so much better.
With his hand on his blade in case of any quick moves the warrior walked to the throne. Nothing fancy or serious like some others may try to do, one of those kneeling bows on one knee or the like, but rather it was a light bow with only the head and upper body in motion. It was out of respect, but he made sure he did not degrade himself by making it seem like he was fully devoted to every wish and whim of the leader who would control much of his general actions.
"Lord Cao Pi. I've heard some interesting rumors, a mixed bag of good and bad, but overall I feel that by joining your ranks I position myself in a force I can be an effective warrior of. Do you accept my request or shall I move on?"
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Post by Zhen Xi on Jun 17, 2006 1:06:10 GMT -5
(Sorry its so short, gotta be up in 3 hours for a horse show, but I didnt want to keep you waiting.)
*Cao Pi looked upon the man before him, one he immediately recognized as the great Xiahou Dun and smiled. He would be a great addition to his already strong kingdom. Pi nodded, then spoke.*
Cao Pi: [blue]"Yes, I accept you among our ranks. The kingdom of Wei gives you a warm welcome."[/blue]
*Right after Dun presented himself, the man Pi waved past the guards, was also asking to join his kingdom.*
Cao Pi: [blue]"You seem like a strong and mighty warrior, and I would be happy to have you among us. Welcome."[/blue]
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Zhang Ren
Thug
"Look upon life as a game, war is a mere chance card in the game"
Posts: 51
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Post by Zhang Ren on Jun 17, 2006 7:29:52 GMT -5
Xiahou Dun smirked at the words, 'a warm welcome'. He didn't need a warm welcome, he helped create this kingdom. He should be the one giving the welcome. He bowed after he stood up to cao Pi and before he turned he spoke a few words.
"I hope you can control what myself, other generals and Lord Cao Cao built years ago. I'd hate to see it fall due to the misjudgement of a heir.........wait, make that, I don't want to see it fall....."
With those last words, he slowly made his way to the exit. Hehe, he hoped his words would hit deep. cao Pi didn't have any of Xiahou Dun's respect until he earnt it. That's Xiahou Dun's way, he will not respect someone for little acomplishments, exactly why he hated Guan Yu. His own personal chaos was still roaming the land........Xiahou Dun would put a end to him soon enough.......
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Post by Sima Yi on Jun 17, 2006 11:23:35 GMT -5
Sima Yi made his way into the palace. He was disturbed by the lack of activity in the lands of Wei. Although he had only been in Ye for a short while, it seems nothing is getting done. The same was true in the other cities he had passes through on his way here. And on top of it all, he had come to join Cao Cao not Cao Pi. "Where is MengDe?" He decided not to concern himself with that question as Pi seemed to be capable, Sima could see it in him when he had joined. He just needs a little guidence perhaps. He entered the throne room, Pi and Zhen Ji still upon their respective seats. He approaches them and speaks. "Master Pi...I am worried about the situation that presents itself. Wei appears strong to those on the outside, but my belief is that right now we are weak. Since Cao Cao has gone missing nothing is getting done. The troops spend their days at the taverns, the politicians indulge in food and wine. The upside is many capable men and women are offering their services to you. You should not let this talent go ro waste."
Yi pauses for a second before he continues. "you should strengthen defenses on the borders. As Wu tries to take Xu Chang from us as we speak,they surely won't stop there. Bandits in the north must be supressed if we are to face Wu and Shu. Ma Teng...he must be dealt with. Yi bows and awaits a reply from the young leader.
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Mortiss
Captain
Unleash Hells Fire!
Posts: 469
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Post by Mortiss on Jun 17, 2006 13:55:23 GMT -5
*Mortiss stormed into the castle once more, he had a look on his face that would turn the stomach of even the most brave and strong warrior. His ragged clothing covered in dirt made him look out of place in the rich decadent palace, he did not look like the Champion of Wei, but that he was and he used his grand title whenever he got the opportunity too. He arrived just in time to hear what Sima Yi had to say, he leaned against a pillar cracking his knuckles his eyes never leaving Sima Yi. Once the strategist had finished he let out an intimidating laugh filled with hate and disgust*
"I suppose you think your smart Sima? You have no need to concern yourself with Wu or anybody else!"
*As soon as these words were spoken Mortiss drew his blades and pointed both at Sima Yi, he slowly moved closer and closer a smile filled with malice was on his face, he stopped, his blades were mere inches away from Sima Yi's neck*
"Do you doubt the strength of Wei?"
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Post by Sima Yi on Jun 17, 2006 14:54:47 GMT -5
Yi turned around when he heard the loud laugh that came from behind him. It was Mortiss. A mere animal, nothing more than a brute. But still a great asset to the armies of Wei. He listened to Mortiss ramble on with his weapon drawn. Pointing his sword at Sima's neck as he moved closer. But Yi never showed any signs of being affected by this but merely smiled at the man. "Hmm...why should we not concern ourselves with Wu or the others?
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