Gates of The Capital

[Liu Bei]

The Grandest Walls our Kingdom has ever been able to form. They are large, wide and powerful. They single the pride of our kingdom, gleaming in the sweet, forgiving sun of Chang Sha, the land of retribution. The walls that run around the palace are colored red, with Golden Gates. Their spires are made of gold as well, and crafted so to look like a Dragon, Rising to the Heavens..

[Fa Zheng]

A New Era
It truly was a sight to behold. Like a mere fragment from the grandest of murals, depicting the everlasting victory of the Shu kingdom. Fa Zheng was not a fortune-teller, nor could he delve into the eternal mysteries of the tarot, but even he could already see that the kingdom would be a fine prospect, should the leader prove to be as grand as his city. Chang Sha had long been a fluttering flag of majestic grace in the southern regions, usually so rural and devoid of complex structure, contrasting so heavily with the comparatively industrialised northern states. Not any more. Liu Bei had quite clearly made his mark, whether for better or worse. Fa Zheng was one of the former opinion. Since Liu Bei's ascendancy to power following the grand defeat of Lord Liu Zhang at Cheng Du, the land had become remarkably divided, split asunder into four equal parts. The state of Wei, long since the lynchpin of the northern states, and now led by Cao Pi, desperate to match his father's lofty ambitions. Wu, with the natural terrain advantages of the east, led by the capable and enthusiastic Sun Ce, a state tightly knit by friendship and family bonds. The newly formed Zen kingdom, a relatively unknown quantity, though still viewed as very powerful by the other kingdoms, capably led by the cunning Ba Zeng. And Shu, having acquired the fertile lands of the west, had also attained Jing, and the charismatic Liu Bei had completed his incredible journey from being a nomadic wanderer to being lord of a third of the land. The four greatest nations stood on the very brink of outright war, fully prepared to lay down their own lives to achieve total domination of the land, through destruction via force. They would not stop. Nothing could prevent the tides of conflict arriving upon the shores of the land, and it was this viewpoint that led Fa Zheng to Chang Sha, after over one year of absence from military service.

Fa Zheng had never met Liu Bei before. After Liu Bei had seized control of Cheng Du from Liu Zhang, Fa Zheng had left the capital. His strategies used to defend Cheng Du had not been heeded, and Liu Zhang had trusted Liu Bei with the defense of his own kingdom. But it was not to be. Fa Zheng was fully aware of the circumstances that had surrounded Liu Bei's seizure of power, however, and so did not resent the man- this had been aided by his tempered attitude, and open-mindedness. Even so, knowing that he might perhaps not be able to face Liu Bei with a completely rational viewpoint, Fa Zheng had left Cheng Du, much to the chagrin of his peers. The young strategist had always been viewed with quiet admiration for his loyal service and excellent tactics in Cheng Du, but still had opted to leave, which had been the right decision. After several days of resentment against Liu Bei, he had thought the situation over fully, and forgiven the Shu leader for attaining power. After all, the natural order was for states to be absorbed into others, it was inevitable. Perhaps if he had been heeded, Lord Liu Zhang's ideals might still be alive today, but there was no use in thinking that over now. Lord Liu Bei had, after all, made the correct move.

After nearly one year of simply living a quiet life with his books, studying and experiencing the life of a peasant in a village near Cheng Du, he had been visited. Fa Zheng had thought this odd at the time, having not been spotted by many as the strategist who had once been quite successful with Liu Zhang. But to his surprise, it had been his old comrade, Zhang Song, initially of the Liu Zhang force, that had arrived at his door. The two had discussed old times for some days, and Song had stayed for a while- and during this time, Fa Zheng was gradually persuaded to arrive back into military service. The two had agreed to meet at Liu Bei's capital of Chang Sha several months later, at a specified date, and so now, after nearly a year of being away in the peaceful rural areas, Fa Zheng had arrived. Sliding from the peace into the blood of war might not be ideal, but idleness was not a luxury that he could undertake. It was necessary, to protect those who could not defend themselves. His mind was even sharper than it had been a year ago, and at one score and five, he was still very young, and with experience on his side. He had already made up his mind to visit Liu Bei, but he was keeping an open mind about things. His handsome face reflected his relaxed attitude, and he stood in the grass outside the gates, alongside the road, with a light heart. Perhaps this might prove to be a new beginning for him, a chance to further his reputation, and to strive for new goals. He had always been a bit-player at Cheng Du, fairly influential, but never part of the main attraction. Might he now ascend to higher, loftier positions? Only time would tell.

Zheng turned back, and smiled slightly at the man sitting behind him, astride his steed. Shao Jiang, his long-term friend from the village, and a man whose opinion Zheng valued very highly. Jiang had been raring to go and serve Liu Bei, the youthful exuberance painfully obvious to Zheng, who was nearly always extremely reserved and calm- but even so, Jiang's enthusiasm could not be faulted. Like Zheng, he was a man of intellect, but he much preferred to fight on the battlefield, wielding his sword and shield like a very tiger of the east. Fa Zheng, on the other hand, was far more disposed to using his mind before his muscles, though he could fight the time came. The pair made quite a team, and along with Zhang Song, they would assuredly prove to be a valuable trio to any who accepted them. Jiang turned to Zheng, and the latter nodded silently, before striding forward through the grass, towards the gates of Shu. Recently, there had apparently been a remarkably change in the domestic winds at Chang Sha, and so the pair would simply acquaint themselves with the city at large, before visiting the palace. He was supposed to meet Zhang Song at Chang Sha, too, and felt confident that they would soon find each other upon arrival. It was simply...the natural order. Fa Zheng smiled to himself, and shook his head slightly, brushing a strand of brown hair from his ear. Meeting Liu Bei would almost certainly be quite the experience.

[Zhang Song]

Chang Sha, it was a site to behold, but for Zhang Song, Cheng Du would always be his favorite city. When Liu Bei was first asked to assist Liu Zhang agianst Zhang Lu, Song knew that Liu Bei could use the lands of Shu to their fulliest potential. for the entire war, he had sent maps, letters, and such to Liu Bei's forces, contriubting to their victory. after Liu Bei seized the capital, Zhang Song decided to take a vacation before joining his forces, he also wanted to see his friend and comrade, Fa Zheng.

Fa Zheng and Zhang Song we're the best of friends, and it pained Zhang Song very much to undermine his friend's strategies, but he did what he believed to save the land of Shu. Zhang Song decided not to Serve Liu Bei until he conviced his friend, whom he regarded to be a better strategist than himself, to join as well. it took some work, but when Fa Zheng agreed to join Liu Bei's forces, it lifted a great burden off of his shoulders.

Song was deep into reading a book as he approched Chang Sha, White Saber let out a soft neigh and Song looked up from his book. he smiled softly and urged his steed next to Fa Zheng's he smiled over at his friend and bowed to him, smiling softly

"Ah, Xiaozhi! (Fa Zheng's courtesy name) it's good to see you again i trust you are here to see lord Liu Bei as well?"[/b]

[Fa Zheng]

Fa Zheng turned, the breeze blowing his hair back slightly, and he smiled serenely as he saw his friend. The young man bowed politely in greeting, and nodded, taking a hesitant glance toward the city as he did so. The gates still looked as inviting as before, but what would they hold for the pair?

"Zhang Song, it's good to see you, also. Indeed, we have arrived at last, it seems...is our destiny about to be fulfilled?"

He silently looked at the grass for a second, then at the city walls once more, a very distant, faraway look in his eyes. Zheng often acted in this way, seemingly at odds with the environment around him, particularly when relaxed. Now, he sighed slightly, and then realised that Jiang was still behind him on his steed, looking past his master at Zhang Song slightly nervously. Zheng realised his error, and gently guided Jiang's steed forward so that he and Song could see each other. Zheng raised a hand slightly to Jiang, who saluted as the strategist spoke to his friend in his own soft tone, once again.

"Forgive my indiscretion. Zhang, this is my colleague, Shao Jiang, a warrior of sorts from the west, like us. Jiang, this is Lord Zhang Song, one of the greatest minds of the era, and a great friend of mine."

Jiang bowed, and muttered that it was an honor to meet Song. Zheng smiled slightly, and then gesutred towards the city, his pale green robes blowing at the sleeve as he raised his arm. The breeze had picked up considerably already, despite the lack of clouds overhead, and the ever-watchful light of the sun.

"Well then, should we make for the city?"

[Zhang Song]

Song bowed to Shao Jing, then nodded to Zheng, looking up at the grand city that stood before them. he was neverous, like his friend, he had never met Liu Bei personaly, but had recevied letters from him, thanking him for his help agianst Liu Zhang. he hoped Liu Bei would accept both of them into service, and wished that he could help the Imperial Uncle in anyway possiable, he stared at the gate, sighing softly, trying to relax. he did not want to appear neverous in front of the great lord Liu Bei, he turned to his friend and nodded once more

"Yes, we should, our skills will lead this country to greatness, don't you agree?"

With that, Zhang spurred his horse foward, wanting to meet Liu Bei as soon as possiable

[Fa Zheng]

Fa Zheng nodded somewhat demurely as Zhang rode past him astride his steed, moving along the road towards the ever-inviting gates, eager to speak with Liu Bei. Zheng, on the other hand, wasn't quite as convinced. Zhang Song had been instrumental in helping Liu Bei settle into Cheng Du once he had truly taken up residence there, despite never meeting him, whereas Zheng had not. Song may have received letters offering him a place in the grand forces of the Shu kingdom, but Zheng had no such luxury to rely on as he looked towards Chang Sha humbly. He shook his head very slightly, the fine brown hair falling into place atop his head, and down his back. After all, what was he? Merely a rogue strategist, a rogue scholar who had simply worked upon his studies during his sabbatical from military duty. He was returning to the world in doubt- was his reputation as a capable, relaxed and astute strategist still intact, or would he simply be another vassal? Only time would tell, and though his relaxed manner didn't show it, secretly, Fa Zheng was exceptionally nervous. He supposed that he could always head back to the village, or elsewhere, if things didn't work out with Liu Bei, though he truly prayed that they would.

Zheng looked after Song, a distant and thoughtful look in his green eyes, as though he were drifting away upon the flashing stars, far from the tumultuous times which he found thrust upon him. Shao Jiang, who had been in momentary awe of Zhang Song, not simply from Zheng's description of him, turned to Zheng and looked at him carefully.

"Fa Zheng? You okay?"

"Yes...I'm fine. Come on, let us make haste for the city. Perhaps...another link in the chain might be fulfilled, today."

Jiang pursed his lips at the curious statement, but knew better than to ask. As sharp as Zheng's mind was, he seemed to come to his conclusions in the oddest fashions, and so Jiang was content to merely nod in agreement, and make his way forward. After a moment of looking at the sky above the city, Fa Zheng followed, his carefree manner belying the nervousness that plagued his intestines, mocking his nerve.

[Guan Yu]

The arrival

The sun was blazing, his armour was shining brightly, it had been a long journey for Guan Yu, a long journey under the sun was torture, he was sizzling, the pain was excrutiating, he felt sorry for his horse, Red Hare, yet this journey was necessary to assist his brother bring the Han back to glory. Guan Yu was extremely nervous, the latter hadn't seen his brother for a while, he was uncertain of the kind of response he'd get, would he get shouted at and told to go away? Or would he be greeted into the ranks of the Shu-Han forces with open arms, yet Guan Yu couldn't live with hismelf if he didn't try... This is when he saw it, Chang Sha's palace gates, the sun was deflecting of the gold rims of the gates and forming a beam of light into the heavens, Guan Yu then rised himself and kicked Red Hare in the sides, Red Hare then went extremely fast, heading towards the gates, yet Guan Yu thought that this would look like an act of hostility, and therefore slowed down, when he arrived at the gates, he spoke in a loud deep voice.

[Guan Yu] "Allow me entry please, Guards of Shu, I wish to speak to my brother, your ruler, Lord Liu Bei."

With this said, he awaits an answer while looking up at the gates as if he could see right through them, he had a grin on his face, knowing he'd see his brother once more.

[Zhuge Flea]

Ze-Huge Flea
Zhuge Flea had been traveling for quite some time upon his steed before he could reach his destination of Chang Sha. His mission? To join the ranks of Shu and help bring the chaos of the land to a swift end. As he rode up to teh gates of Chang Sha he saw a tall figure. Only as he drew nearer to the gates did he realise that it was the great Guan Yu. Zhuge Flea got off his horse and confronted Guan Yu.

"Guan Yu! You are one of the main reasons that I have came here to join Shu; To fight beside you to unify the land! It is such an honour to be in your presence.

At this, Zhuge Flea bowed down in front of Guan Yu.

[Guan Yu]

What a compliment

Hearing this compliment, his mouth curled, he was happy to hear someone think so much of him, he didn't think he was this adored by his comrades, he then greets Zhuge Flea and speaks

[Guan Yu] "Rise my friend, bow for our lord, I, am unworthy."

He then dismounted his grand steed, the Red Hare and attached it's Reins to a nearby post.

[Liu Bei]

((I suppose you didn't get the memo, Zhuge Flea. I'm not taking anymore people, I've got too many already. So, sorry. ))

Guan Yu is allowed passage..

[General Pang]

A prominent envoy from Zen arrives at the gates to Shu kingdom atop a dapple gray steed. By his uniform he would probably be recognized or in the very least noticed and stared at by a few passerbys, for the man is a soldier from Pang De's newly formed Hun Hussaria corps, a unit famous for having skilled horsebowmen with elaborate armour boasting ornamental wings (see updated profile for pictures). To his side he is flanked by two other less ornately dressed horsebowmen, but none of them wield weapons. Instead they are carrying other things; one of them has fine silks in his hand, the hussar holds a long wrapped up scroll and another one carries numerous canteens. Though the horsemen had galloped quickly to Changsha, they had started slowing down. Their horses' sweat and slobber indicated that their steeds deserved a rest, and the riders knew very well that if they came quickly towards the castle it would look as if they were threatening. When they approached very close, they dismounted and began walking towards the guards. The Hun Hussar speaks.

"Comrades of Shu, I wish to speak with your master or a representative high official in your kingdom. I come as a man with a mission under Pang De's command of Ba Zeng's northeastern faction. If you wish to search me feel free, though I carry no weapons with which to injure anyone of your fine Empire. As for my purpose, this document I carry should explain everything..." announces the Hussar, as he unravels the scroll and present s it to the sentry. In fine Chinese calligraphy the paper reads: To his Royal Imperial Majesty Liu Bei, we have received your ceasefire letter and wish to strike up a deal. As the Elite General Commander of Ba Zeng's forces, I want to make an offer-That I and a few other Zen officers perhaps assist your forces in battle against Wu or Wei if your officers would kindly aid our's in a fight against Wei. Zen will need all the help it can get against the Northeasterners, and we humbly hope that you will help us when they strike or we feel the need to expand. Of course we will support Shu too.

(crap post sadly. I was going to post something long but didn't have the time )

[Liu Bei]

Sun Jiang had already been alerted of the riders and had manned the walls, his two broad swords sheathed and strapped to his sides as his red armor was lit up in the morning sun. The words of this leader meant little to him, however he knew they would serve his lord right. He spoke quickly, assertively toward the head man.

"My lord Liu Bei will be better suited to here this in person. You may enter with two guards and nothing more, otherwise you can head back to where you came from.."

The gate slightly opens, several guards behind it.

(f*** I can't write today)

[Sun Yi]

As the sun beat down on the tall gates of Chang Sha, the capitol of the grand army of Shu, You could see two figures upon horses in the distance. Sun Yi had wiped the sweat off her forehead very lightly as she rode up to the gates of Chang Sha. She had smiled lightly for she hoped she would get accepted into the strategic army of Shu.

Ah look at these tall gates Mei Li. What do you think Liu Bei will be like if we get to meet him?

Mei Li had glanced over at her friend to answer her question.

[Green]I am sure he will allow us into his army. I have heard that he is a respectful man. I have also heard that his army is running short as well. If that be the case then we might have a better chance of getting accepted into his army.[/Green]

Mei Li had smiled and then had turned her head to the giantic gates in front of the two. Sun Yi had looked up to see the guards on duty obviously. Exchanging a seductive smile with them she had cupped her hands around her mouth so that the guards would be able to hear her better.

Good day gentlemen. Would you allow a fair lady such as myself and this lovely lady next to me into the grand fortress of the Shu territory? I need to speak with the lord Liu Bei.

Sun Yi sat there on her steed awaiting an answer.

[Liu Bei]

The strange and odd guard lazily thrusts up his hands as the door begins to open a moment or two later. Dust from the writing of millions of words escapes the paths as the door finally opens, a new world upon them all.. The feint sound of a humming could be heard as they all fade into one... 'Shu.'

Sun Yi is allowed entrance.

(Though check your profile.)