Viper and Cobra (Li Xingji)

[Lu Dun]

It was a productive week for Lu Dun. He'd arrived in Jian Ye, delivered Li Xian's message to Li Xingji, and he'd even interrogated a few men for her (apparently, it had something to do with a ton of fish). Now, he was in the courtyard of Xingji's manse, drilling with his halberd, made unique not by the 8 feet of length but rather by the 8 pound ball attached to the end, allowing it to double as a morning star of ludicrous length. Dun liked to call it the Dream Wrecker. The Dream Wrecker had certainly wrecked a few dreams in defense of Dun's father, but lately it had only wrecked a few cloth dummies. Dun was itching for action, but he'd sworn to Xingji that he'd help her unravel a plot.

M'lord! A message!

A servant had peaked his head out of one of the windows to summon Dun over so that Dun might read the message; Xingji had instructed them to give him all messages should she be indisposed, which this early (dawn was currently breaking on the horizon) meant that Xingji was still asleep. Dun had drilled most of the night after grabbing a few hours of sleep.

Thanks, I'll be right there! Dun called as he flourished the halberd, slicing up through a cloth stomach and smashing it's face in with the ball.

Definitely a kill Dun thought as he jogged over to the window and picked the message up, sliding a dagger under the sealing wax to open it.

Yes!... How sad... oh shit![/i]

Dun vaulted through the window and past a startled servant, then up a staircase and down a hall way until he was at the master bedroom, Xingji's, pounding on the door.

Xingji! I'm coming in in a minute, it's important! Cover up!

Dun counted to 15, then barged through the door, carrying the message.

We... I... ack just read it! He pushed the note towards Xingji.

[Li Wang]

Li Xingji found herself in a good mood as she watched dawn break over the city of Jian Ye, snug in a short red bathrobe. She could hear cloth rip and wood shatter as Lu Dun hacked away at practice dummies, but paid no mind, instead listening to the crickets chirp. It would be a fine day, she was sure, the perfect end to a perfect week. Or at least, she thought so until her door began to rattle, despite the fact that it was not locked.

Xingji! I'm coming in in a minute! It's important, cover up!

She was startled, to say the least, but in the 12 seconds she had until Dun burst in That count was a little fast! she managed to get her robe closed with her left hand, though she had to hold on to it. It was barely enough to cover her from chest to thigh, though Dun didn't seem to notice at first.

We... I... ack just read it!

Dun appeared to be rather excited, and not just because Xingji was almost naked just inches away from him; the silken bathrobe was rather sheer, and had a way of clinging to her curves just so...

What could possibly be so important that you'd barge in here this early, Dun? Her tone conveyed the annoyance, but she kept the volume down so as not to actually yell at the man; after all, the message might actually turn out to be important. She reached out to take the message with her left hand... and her robe spilled open.

Oops! A furious pink blush crept to her cheeks as she snatched her robe closed and spun, though not before Dun would have time for a quick look at, well, everything. She took a few seconds to snatch up a sash and tie the robe shut before turning back to face Dun, the blush still coloring her cheeks.

I'll... just... take that now... She muttered, still at a loss for words as she took the missive from Dun.

Good, Wang's okay... Er Ba Zhen, is it? I would have expected Juchao, though I suppose that would be next... what?!

Pity, grief, shock, and disappointment all shot through her at once when she read the last part of the missive:

Dear Xingji,

Our forces have landed at Er Ba Zhen. A bloody battle ensued, but we managed to push the Weiners back, though not without substantial casualties. I fear the real battle has yet to be decided, but I remain hopeful. I must tell you, however, that Wu has lost two great heroes today. Lu Xun and Sun Shang Xiang were executed outside of Xu Chang by one Shen Ha, a most despicable beast. I have sworn to slay the bastard myself, and will not leave the north until I can bring King Quan his head on a platter. I hope you and Xian are well.

Your brother, Li Wang Beixing.[/i]

She knew her brother must be a wreck; he'd been pining after the princess for years, even after she was given in marriage to Liu Bei. She'd even met the princess a few times, when on occasion she would petition the Sun clan for a loan (which was always repaid with interest). She was certainly beautiful, Xingji had to give her that, and something in her eyes made Xingji think that she was not the only one who despised the role society sought to force upon her. It made Xingji sad to think she was gone, and she worried about her brother.

For the moment, though, her problem was Lu Xun. With him dead, there was no way to follow up on Li Xian's accusations, so now she needed to find some other project to take up her time; she'd come to realize that being being an entrepreneur was boring, and time consuming as well. She could simply stop investing, assign one of her many agents the task of keeping record of the books, and do whatever she wanted with her life.

With my accumulated wealth, I could probably marry anybody I wanted.

Xingji mulled over that possibility for a few moments. It was definitely an attractive option, but as she was quick to realize, no one would ever marry her for love when there was such a huge prospective dowry in the offing.

I could just die childless; I've practically raised Xian, and he's the heir to both myself and Wang. Perhaps that's best.

Xingji's musings lasted about 10 minutes before she finally spoke.

Well, Dun, it would seem that there's no longer a compelling reason for you to stay in Jian Ye. If you'd like, I'll write you a letter of recomendation. My brother will be sure to take you on as an apprentice.

Xingji sighed as she said this, hoping the young Dun No, he just turned 18. He's a man now. would key in on it and offer her some comfort.

[Lu Dun]

Lu Dun went from flustered to speechless upon noticing what Xingji was wearing; or rather, how little she was. He'd never met a more beautiful woman in his life, nor even one who came close. Even when Xingji dressed modestly, Dun could not prevent that rising sensation inside his smallclothes.And heavens damn her, she fucking knows it! It was all he could do to turn away, allowing this beautiful woman to don something more appropriate if she so desired.

"I... my apologies, Xingji." Once for the sad news in the letter and again for barging in on you practically naked. "Shall I wait outside?"

Dun stood there uncomfortably for a few minutes (though it only felt like seconds), painfully aware of his body's reaction to Xingji and at the same time praying she'd be dressed by the time he turned around. His prayers went unanswered, however, for when he turned around she was seated with legs crossed and bared to the hip, her expression hinting at deep consideration of... something. Whatever it was, her train of thought appeared to be derailed when Dun turned to face her, as she apparently remembered he was still there.

"Well Dun, it would seem that there's no longer a compelling reason to stay in Jian Ye. If you'd like, I'll write you a letter of recommendation. My brother will be sure to take you on as an apprentice."

Dun wasn't sure how he felt about that. On the one hand, this moment was something he'd been yearning for his entire life. For Dun, there was no better feeling that that of a weapon in his grasp. That goes to show the extent of my worldly experiences!

On the other hand, Dun had become quite fond of Xingji, and he was reasonably certain she reciprocated the feeling. He even enjoyed her conversation more than... well, at least as much as her breasts or her hips. If he left to join the campaign at He Fei, as like as not he would not see her, or for that matter his own father, for years, assuming he ever did get the chance to.

If he left, he might not come back. If he stayed, he'd be marked as craven the rest of his life. The choice was clear, but most certainly not easy as his voice betrayed:

"I would be grateful for that, Xingji. For your sake I will endeavor to prove worthy of such a recommendation.

Dun's eyes stayed locked on Xingji's own as they usually did when the two spoke; he used other occasions to check her out, and when he did he always noticed the muscle in Xingji. She not only did not tend towards plumpness like most wealthy women, but she also kept herself in shape. Judging by the muscle in her arms and shoulders, she was probably quite fond of archery as well.

She's perfect... wait, when did my arm end up around her?[/i]

Dun had indeed sat himself next to Xingji, and his arm had been draped across his shoulders. In short, Dun had fallen victim to Xingji's enchantment.

"What will you do now, Xingji?"

[Li Wang]

Xingji was surprised when Dun sat beside her, and even more so when he put his arm around her, but pleasantly so. In fact, it was so pleasant that she found herself nestling into his chest. She'd need to bathe again to remove the smell of Dun's sweat (he'd been drilling all night), but for her it was a most pleasant aroma, one she'd gladly lose herself in if given the opportunity...

Perhaps I shall. He is leaving soon.[/color]

Xingji found herself aroused, allowing herself to imagine Dun's strong hands at her hips as she bounced...

"So what will you do now, Xingji?"

She gave herself a mental shake, took a moment to process his question, then really had to think. It was an open question, one to open the mind to all the possibilities. Dun, of course, wanted to know what she planned to do about the conspiracy that Lu Xun had been attempting to cover up. She had to admit that she urged to unearth the plot, but for now there was nothing to do about it.

"So what will you do now, Xingji?"

It was an open question, and posed several interesting scenarios. She could expand her business outside the Jiang Dong region and into the rest of China, and collect revenue from across the empire. She could venture into politics and seek a post in the governance of the realm (held in the name of either her brother or nephew, of course). She could simply retire and live out the rest of her life in luxury, supporting herself on the interest rate on loans.

You could make a name for yourself as a warrior.[/color] A voice in her head seemed to whisper. It sounded much like her own... but different, somehow.

Hmm...

The idea was enticing. No man would respect her, seeing as Xingji was a woman. A few would even attempt to rape her; she'd have to be constantly on guard. But if Xingji could prove to be not only competent, but excellent, she would be remembered as more than a footnote in the histories, independent of her brother and nephew, or husband if she deigned to take one.

So what will you do now, Xingji?[/color]

What will you do now?[/color]

I think I'm going to pay my brother a visit at He Fei.

She'd been a few minutes in deliberation, but when she finally spoke her voice was certain and full of confidence; typical Xingji.

I was born for this! She realized as the Li family's trademark grin materialized upon her face. This grin was the one a Li displayed just before driving the knife into an enemy's back. This was the grin a Li was flaunt just before springing an ambush. This was the grin that heralded a hero, and Li Xingji began to laugh.

[Lu Dun]

Dun found himself smiling as Xingji snuggled into his chest. He may not have realized what he was doing when he'd moved, but it certainly had been the right choice. His smile grew even wider when Xingji gave her answer.

In that case, I'd better gather my belongings!" He laughed as well, but noted the grin she wore; it was eerily similar to the one Li Xian would get just before he'd spring a trap in go. Granted, it was usually his father who played against Xian, but he'd seen it enough to get that ominous feeling; he knew not which direction Xingji meant to take, but he'd make sure he was there to see it, that much was certain.

[Li Wang]

"As must I. Meet me in my study this evening so that we might discuss preparations." She hopped up off of the bed, brushing a firm buttock against Dun's progenitor as she did, though even she couldn't say whether it'd been intentional or not. She started out for her wardrobe, across from the foot of the bed, where she would pick out an outfit for the day and then step behind a screen to change. She got about halfway there before she stopped, turned, and strode purposefully back towards Lu Dun. The man was at least six and a half feet tall and big whereas Xingji was closer to five foot three and slender, but when their eyes met they did as equals in both prowess and intent, even if Dun did not realize it.

Tell me, Dun: if opportunity presented itself to you, would you take it? Will you vault off the precipice of life and take wing amidst the chaos? Will you stare down death itself as you venture on this path?

Seduction was the vibe emnating from Xingji as she gently pushed Dun onto his back. Her robe was still wrapped about her torso and hips, but her bare legs found the mattress on either side of him, placing her above him. She placed her hands on his shoulders as she leaned down to to whisper, her lips nearly brushing his.

Answer me truly, Dun, and yourself as well; it may well be that the rest of your life will be determined by your response...

(I think Viper and Cobra might be a better title for this, Josh)

[Lu Dun]

Dun forced himself to keep a perfectly erect posture as Xingji's arse slid against his cock, which for the last twenty minutes been as hard as a rock; it was enough to expel all other thought from his mind.

And would that I could! No amount of imagining that's ever going to be enough.

Dun was not entirely hopeless, though; he'd begun to suspect that she desired him as well, but besides dismissing it as wishful thinking, he dared not make the first move; not only was she 5 years his elder, but he was also a guest in her home. If he made an advance, it'd be an infraction against the most ancient laws of hospitality, whether or not Xingji actually wanted his cock stuffed up her slit.

But what does she want? His eyes were waves in their sockets as they followed Xingji's hips. He had no doubt that if and when he did what she wanted, she'd be quick enough to spread those legs for him, and would probably even look forward to it, but... well, all Dun knew was that she wanted something.

Or does she? His mind was instantly back in present reality as she began to strut towards him. What he would when she reached him, he could not say, but it turned out he need not have worried; she guided him down onto the bed and straddled him (though her posterior remained above his cock), placed hands on his shoulders, leaned in so close their lips were almost touching, then...

What?! Is she fucking serious?!

Dun's massive frame heaved, launching Xingji's relatively small body up off him, but by the grace of the ancestors Dun managed to catch her before she fell flat on her back.

Do not play games with me such as that! I respect you, and ask that you extend the same courtesy to me. I'll be gathering my belongings in my chambers. With that, Dun was gone, leaving the most beautiful woman in the world rejected in her own bed. It was only later, as he stood with a hand clenched around his own bedpost, that he soliloquized:

All my life, I've lived as my father's shadow, as his shield and sword as he claimed victories. No longer, I say! From now on, I am my own man, to choose my own path, with all the risks that entail. I am no coward, I am a warrior! The world shall know my name. I. Am. Lu Dun. And I am coming.

The bedpost had snapped in his hand, leaving a few splinters, but Dun cared not; if the bitch wanted to make him pay, she could wait until the war was over.

[Li Wang]

No amount of preparation could have left Xingji prepared for Dun's reaction; the two she'd found most likely were either him saying something merely to get on her good side or him turning her over and slamming his cock up her arse (or some variation of that). Therefore, it was not until after he forcefully removed her, after he forcefully reprimanded her, after he forcefully left, that she let herself curl into a ball on the bed. For the first time in her life, she actually felt a little insecure. Even women half as beautiful as Li Xingji weren't acquainted with rejection.

Then again, I have been playing games with the poor man's mind, like that one.[/i] If Dun had simply tried to couple with her, she'd have let him, and she would have enjoyed it, too. She'd have to scramble for some moon tea afterwards, but she would have been a perfectly willing partner. If he'd tried to smooth talk her first, however, the game would have continued. Perhaps it was good that he snapped; it showed the man had brain between his ears as well as between his balls.

I'm going to need to check on the brain between my ears before I start worrying about his. I'm going to need it in an army camp.

Xingji was not oblivious to this voice, but she'd largely credited it as being her mothers before it used possessive words to describe her body.

Who are you?

Isn't it obvious?

My mother has been dead for over a decade, you're just a voice in my head!

Or perhaps you're just a voice in my head. There's no way to really prove it, now, is there?[/i]

Then why does my mouth voice only my thoughts you dumb bitch? Thankfully, nobody was around to hear her, or she might have been consigned to a mental facility.

My mouth has been known to get ahead of my brain, sometimes. It often makes me come across as conceited and slutty.

You're... you're... me?[/color]

Indeed I am... Xingji whispered...

For hours, Xingji would lay there, arguing with herself about anything and everything, before everything finally clicked into place. By the time she stood, she was composed.

I am Li Xingji, and no man shall stand in my way!

(fin del hilo)