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Post by Adam on Jun 13, 2011 16:55:37 GMT
// A few hours after the last thread, join in whoever wants to ^-^
She'd slept little since she was given the private quarters to rest in over night. The guilt trip continued as she rolled back and forth, eyes shut, trying desperately to go back to sleep, yet all she could think of was what was she doing there. It was a good question, for on one hand she was going to help her greatest enemy to find a great gain, yet on the flip side she couldn't think of much else that could be done to find that revenge she so wanted.
With a grunt she rolled one last time and pushed herself up to a sitting position and decided enough was enough. She needed air and a change of scenary if she was ever to calm herself back down and so she concluded a stroll through the dark streets of Xu Chang would do her well. She'd slip one of her usual attires; that time a red and black combat dress, much like she always wore when possible, and walk to the door, opening it and vacating the room.
The quarters given were linked onto the palace and she had a tough time leaving unnoticed, slipping expertly passed several guards as they sleepily patrolled, unexpecting of the unexpected. One by one she slipped beyond the line of sight, using the shadows to her advantage, before finally her feet touched the outer areas of the palace, toughing the grass of the gardens. She found her feet heading the same direction they were but a few hours before, to that special meeting place Cao Cao had shown her and Zhang Liao.
Shang Xiang had noticed the sound of distant footsteps behind her and she cut off from the normal path and lurked in the shadows as she waited, aware that at such time she was either in great danger, a guard had found her or something else, possibly worse. The figure was dark and her eyes couldn't quite adjust, her own position wasn't too difficult to see and that was the reason she attempted such a stupid move; she literally jumped out, using the act of surprise against whoever it was and looked to be ready to attack.
Whoever it was had better be ready for the defensive female who feared the worst.
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Post by Sam on Jun 13, 2011 18:33:22 GMT
"They have Tiandang, what else can I do but push forward? The King wrote to will me into battle I cannot deny an order!"
"They have all the momentum, we cannot drive them back in an open battle, there is no honour to be won, we should hold out until the Prime Minister himself arrives."
"And face his wrath for disobeying a direct command? No I slay that old wretch myself!"
A sudden shift in the memory hit.
"Prepare yourself enemy general!"
A sword swung and a streak of red gore slashed the mind.
The dreamer woke up with a start, sitting up, "Father!"
Looking around the room, he found himself still in his bed chamber. Unloading a lung full of air, he wiped the back of his hand across his perspiring forehead.
The man swung his feet out of his bed as he slipped on a pair of slippers waiting at the bedside for morning.
He got upand wandered over to the wall, pulling back the shutters, the world was still trapped in deep night, yet he wouldn't be able to sleep that night again.
Taking up a silken waist coat, slipping it on he covered his bare chest. He needed some fresh air.
Wandering outside of the residence within the palace, he wiped his eyes adjusting to the bright beam of moonlight that shone upon the place. He took steady steps down towards the large outer balcony of court. The guards on duty let him pass without a word, knowing who he was.
He gazed outwards with a sigh, and leant upon the decorated balcony, rubbing the back of his head with one hand. His hair was tied in a top knot but it still preserved length down his back.
As he gazed outwards, saddened by his dream, which had been reoccuring every other night, he saw what appeared to be a shadow move into the alley way below him, that place was a private area.
His suspicion aroused his instinct for some reason betrayed him and not calling for guards, he shot to the right and jogged down the palace steps alone.
He took a sharp right, throwing caution to the wind as he advanced in a jog towards the garden, without thinking that he could be surprised. Just then a shadow jumped out from a small gap in the wall beside him.
His instincts took hold, and without even having to think about who it was or what was happening, the young man grunted taking a hold of the shadowy figure at the right shoulder and the left hip and swinging his own body in a left arc downwards towards the ground in front of what would become a crouched posture.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 13, 2011 18:41:55 GMT
Zhang Liao had returned to an estate granted to him from Cao Cao fit for an Imperial Protector since their meeting with Sun Shang Xiang. It was an odd thing, Shang Xiang’s diplomacy. She came on behalf of Sun Quan, yet it was clear her words were her own. She had, in a matter of minutes, given sight to Mengde and Wenyuan that Sun Quan aspired to proclaim himself emperor, and that she wanted to see Shu crumble beneath Wu and Wei. Zhang Liao respected her courage, even though he knew some of what she said might have slipped out without even knowing.
She was a woman who knew what she wanted, and to attain her desires she first went to the mighty Zhang Liao, and then the very Prime Minister himself. Bold, even crazy, her dreams were closer to fruition now than they ever had been in the past. She had spoken what she wanted to, and now she had the mind of Cao Cao and the sword of Zhang Liao at her side.
The diplomacy of the recent days was only one of the odd occurrences in Wenyuan’s duty as of late. The lady Sun’s playful and flirty demeanor had him intrigued, which made him feel very awkward as he wanted to defend her from Cao Cao’s cruelty when he discovered her secrets, but also hide his affection from his lord, less he face dismissal and even lashings.
Perhaps it was not the wisest move, as he could tell Cao Cao was suspicious of his activity only hours before, perhaps noting he was a little too friendly with the Sun princess, but he sent for her at night.
A lone guard made way to her temporary residence just outside the palace, addressing his duty to the Wu guards that were placed outside.
“I bring word from Zhang Liao, Imperial Protector of the Han Dynasty,” The guard said, “Where is the lady Sun Shang Xiang?”
“Our lady left only minutes ago,” The Wu guard replied, “She was headed to the palace. She told us to remain here.”
The messenger was left with a dilemma. Zhang Liao told him to get word to Sun Shang Xiang, but she was not where she was meant to be. However, he also knew Zhang Liao demanded obedience, and thus, he wondered toward the near-empty palace, looking for a slender, slightly out-of-place woman in the night.
It took a moment but under the royal ceiling of the palace, he noticed a woman heading toward a back room. As he was ready to approach her, he also saw a shadowy figure flanking her down the other side, and the lady took cover to no avail.
As the mysterious figure approached, the lady struck out at him, but was met furiously by her attacker. Zhang Liao's man rushed to aid, coming behind the attacker who had put Sun Shang Xiang on the ground and drawing his sword.
"I don't know who you are, but this is the princess of the Southlands, Sun Shang Xiang, you attack. My lord Zhang Liao has seen me to her aid, to be sure she is safe tonight, and I do not intend to see him with failure."
The guard spoke, taunting the man to turn and face him.
(Is that Cao Cao's son? If it is, don't kill me.)
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Post by Adam on Jun 13, 2011 19:30:32 GMT
Shang Xiang wanted a calm and relaxing stroll, something to clear her mind and stop her tiredness from becoming an overbearing weight. No sooner had she walked part of the grounds had she heard the presence behind her, following her. She tried to hide and jump the man and seemed to succeed, the man hadn't noticed her straight away and she was well on her way to sending her fist into his face, had he not been so smart.
Never expecting someone to know martial arts like he seemed to, she was the victim of a clever grab and take down. It wasn't like she was an amateur herself either, but she'd be a liar if she didn't say she was struck with slight shock. It lasted less than a milisecond; as soon as her back struck the ground, she pushed back off with her hand and sent her right foot towards the man's crouched face, hoping to strike a quick hit on him.
What occurred next sent her face turning away from her opponent towards a new figure who came to her aid. He claimed to be of Zhang Liao's men, something which made her grin without realising, it seemed whenever she was in trouble he'd appear or speak up in her defence and now he had a man come right when she needed it.
Her face turned back to her opponent and noted his face, someone unfamilar, but at the same time she thought she should know him. Her eyes turned to a frown and she spoke in a strong tone. "You'd best back off, or else." She threatened, wanting to impose herself to the newcomer, whoever the hell he was.
"Why did you follow me here?"
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Post by Sam on Jun 13, 2011 19:36:19 GMT
A boot in the face was not expected, the young man amanged to move his head to the side as he saw the boot approaching but he could avoid it. It struck him in the left cheek and he was knocked over on to his right side, he spat out a degree of blood and some flesh as he had bit down on the inside of his mouth as the blow struck, luckily he hadn't lost any teeth.
He started getting back up when he heard the ring of steel behind him. Expecting a group to be in on it he pushed himself back up all the faster, bracing himself and clenching his fist to lash out in self-defence despite being unarmed.
If an explanation had not been swift, he may have tasted some steel. The young man looked at the guard before him and then quickly looked behind, at the person he had took out, it was a women, a beautiful one at that, he felt embarrassment overcome him at the prospect, he had just slammed a girl to the floor without realizing it, he had half expected it to be a nimble assassin not a slender young woman, the entry of a sword had initially confirmed it so, or so he thought.
He responded shocked, "Princess of the Southlands?!" he quickly took her in his arms as she was raising to her own feet, lifting her off the stone path, setting her back on her feet with a steadying aid, incase she felt a little dizzy from the sudden attack.
Then with a sweeping bow to one knee he said earnestly, "My deepest apologies princess. I have offended your prestige and hurt you."
He looked back to the guard pleadingly, "Why didn't you make sure she was safe in her rooms if she's so important? General Zhang and uncle are going to kill me for brutalizing such a guest." He half braced himself for a another blow of retaliation from the young woman, he was stupid and very much deserved it.
He bowed again saying, "I'm sorry if I hurt you miss." and stayed down so he didn't have to watch her hand raise or her foot swing if she did want to beat the crap out of him.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 13, 2011 19:53:32 GMT
The guard recognized the man as soon as he turned to face him. It was Xiahou Ba, son of the esteemed late Xiahou Yuan, second in line to be the head of the Xiahou clan. What was he doing here?
The guard bowed his head, immediately sheathing his sword. What a foot he was, drawing a sword on a general!
“My lord Xiahou Ba, forgive me! General Zhang Liao sent me to aid in anything the lady needed here in Xuchang, but her estate was empty aside from a few guards from Wu.”
The guard said, frightful of the entire situation. We had an officer striking a princess and a guard drawing a sword on him. If the sun shone in the sky, none of this would have occurred. It was the darkness that covered them and led them all to make such mistakes.
“My lady, whenever you are ready, it would be an honor to escort you to wherever it is you are going. Zhang Liao has sent me to ensure of your safety. Being a vital member of the Sun family in the Imperial Capital, he worried that one of the officials that knew you were here would try something unwise.”
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Post by Adam on Jun 13, 2011 21:12:54 GMT
Life had a simplistic game of two halves; day and night. To think such chaos could erupt in one but not the other, all because of a simple light source that was scarce under the dim light of the moon. Rightly so if it was day, then none of the ensuing trouble would have occurred, had it been day Shang Xiang wouldn't have kicked the nephew of Cao Cao in the side of the face, had it been day Shang Xiang would likely have been found far sooner.
Her hands moved forward, as too her body followed, looking for the balance to push herself up to her feet, helped along by the young man, soon to be known as Xiahou Ba. Her opinion of the man had been rash and wrong, as no sooner he had fought with her, he was bowing and greeting her with apologies and courtesy. She kind of regretted kicking him with all honesty due. His face was youthful, but even through the darkness she could see the visibly intensifying redness to the man's jawline and she looked on in a mixture of forgiveness and her own guilty eyes.
"Are you okay?" Her first concern showed as she took a step forward, her eyes showing that honest and down to earth presence. "...Please, I used to wrestle with the Little Conqueror, I think I can handle a little fall, however Lord Xiahou Ba, you have just been kicked by a princess of Wu." She smiled and eyed his wound up, noting it wasn't anything serious and stepped back again.
It was her turn to show respect and she bowed her head. "Please accept my apology also, had I known who it was I would not have done what I did." She realised the man's potential embarrassment at the kick and grinned a little. "As for the kick... I won't mention it. Just say you got hit by a buckler in sparring."
The princess turned then to the guard and she smiled at his words yet again, it seemed the mention of the general's name brought a happiness to her that she seemed infected with. Had she been known to have these feelings by anyone in Wu, she'd likely be reprimanded, branded a traitor and otherwise ridiculed. She still fought against the notion she should return to Shu, to rekindle whatever lost and long forgotten love she had with Liu Bei, he too was a rival of Shu, a great adversary of theirs, yet the situation far differed, for instead Zhang Liao was the Demon of Wu, a beacon of disgrace and disaster for the Wu forces.
She thought quickly for a good answer to the guard and then she huffed, putting a facade on and barked. "Well, if Zhang Liao wanted my safety, he should have checked up on me himself, shouldn't he?" She kept a straight face, but oh how she wanted to grin again. "I will return to my quarters. Tell the general that should he seek my safety, to find someone better; after all, what if you never arrived? One of us two would be really hurt, and then what?"
She turned back to Xiahou Ba, bowing with courtesy he may not have expected and then headed in the direction she came, passing the guard with her stern face intact, or at least until she was out of direct sight, where she immediately laughed to herself, picturing the face of Zhang Liao, who'd either be incredibly annoyed, or if he understood her well enough would see the potential for a joke within.
Why the hell was she chasing him? The thought suddenly entered her head more as she walked away, biting her lip and looking back, only to see if either men decided she still wasn't safe enough. Either way unless they spoke or did something else, she'd return to her room, but still she would not attempt sleep, instead she'd likely remain thoughtful and pondersome on her recent predicaments.
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Post by Sam on Jun 13, 2011 21:56:10 GMT
"The fault was mine miss, my uncle has been a target of many assassins in his years, I mistook royal self for one."
Xiahou Ba touched his cheek, it was tender and painful to the touch, "I'll be fine, but the princess has a mighty fine boot." Ba smiled rubbing his wound and spitting out a bit of blood.
Ba was still young, experience would have him avoiding giving an opponent slamming their foot into his face again. The lady quickly departed the scene after sharing words with Zhang Liao's assistant.
Xiahou Ba said as she walked away to the guard, "You had best inform the General of these events before she gets into some trouble and amke sure she gets some rest. It is still late and no doubt she'll be meeting my uncle - or the general?"
"I best go clean myself up, she hit me hard there. Good job you showed up when you did." Xiahou Ba took off leaving the alleyway after Shang Xiang and taking a right back to the palace, heading back to his quarters.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 14, 2011 7:56:44 GMT
The young guard knew of Xiahou Ba and had a sort of respect for the man. His father was a great general who served Cao Cao since he first called to arms in Chen Liu many years ago. Such valuable service was rare to find in these days. But it was not only Xiahou Ba, but his entire clan. Xiahou Dun took an arrow to the eye fighting for Cao Cao but removed it and fought on. This was a clan of warriors.
Yet even with such fine men as Yuan and Dun, even the Xiahou clan could not match up to the strength of the Sun family, this much was clear as Shang Xiang spoke. The Tiger of Jiang Dong, Sun Jian, was one of the finest military commanders in the Han Dynasty’s service. His brother, Sun Ce, conquered a good third of China and had his eyes on the north, likely to succeed had an apparent wound from an ambush taken him. He died young and randomly, in the prime of a great military career. Sun Quan’s forces were commanded by Zhou Yu at Red Cliff but regardless, flames took an army of a million and the Southlands kept Cao Cao’s forces from invading.
Even Sun Shang Xiang showed her fierce ability. She wasn’t quite a warrior, but any common soldier who approached her as a mere woman would likely be met with a short battle and a surprise, as she could certainly handle her own. The guard was surprised just how taken back Xiahou Ba was by a mere kick.
While Shang Xiang first seemed flattered at the mention of his general’s desire to see her treated well, she quickly put on a face to yell at him. “Of course, my lady, forgive me,” He said, bowing his head while she concluded the conversation and left to retire to her quarters.
Then Xiahou Ba approached and shared words with the guard.
“When the general said to go and protect her, he warned me of some of her fiery characteristics. It would appear as though he did not exaggerate, I pray my lord Xiahou Ba is alright?” He said, Xiahou Ba replying that he’d be retiring to clean himself. “Never a dull moment in the Imperial Capital… I pray thee good night, my lord.”
The guard had spent enough time to allow Sun Shang Xiang a head start. He retraced his steps toward the temporary Sun estate, where he saw the lady safely return, and then made his way back to the general’s quarters. He was still awake, reading over a message from Li Dian at Shouchun, when the guard informed Zhang Liao what had happened.
“Good that you arrived, Shen Ha,” He said to the guard, “My trust in you was well placed.”
The guard, of the name Shen Ha, was Zhang Liao’s bodyguard. At Xiaoyao Ford he rode a horse from Zhang Liao’s side. He was a good soldier and handy with a sword and a spear. He told Zhang Liao that the princess formed words to hide any true thoughtful meaning, but it had appeared as though he was summoned. Deciding that his work regarding Shouchun was concluded for the night, he rolled up the message from his officer and set out in a fine red robe.
About two hours after the mishap in the palace, Zhang Liao arrived at the Sun estate to be greeted by two Wu guards at the entrance. He recognized them both from Shouchun, they had shared a journey to Xuchang. Wenyuan was caught making an appearance perhaps he should not have, as arriving to a diplomat’s quarters at this time of night was well beyond a common occurrence. Zhang Liao was trapped where he was, though, and simply hoped that the lady Sun was correct when she placed her trust in these guards.
“I greet you tonight, gentlemen, and trust you’ve seen the lady well so far this night?” Zhang Liao asked, prodding his way to the fact that they let a Sun princess free in the capital of her brother’s enemy.
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Post by Adam on Jun 15, 2011 1:20:04 GMT
A yawn escaped the princess as her feet padded along the stone floor of the palace, until she reached the guards who were to watch over her. They each nodded in unison, a respectful show of a greeting. The guards were careful, given the order to remain in place until she returned and to speak no word of her walk; it being meant for clearing her head and a relax, though it turned into slightly more than planned.
Her hands brushed against the door, pushing it open and then closed it behind her, her soft frame moving towards the bed, which she fell back on. Her hands fell behind her head as she gazed at the ceiling, thinking quietly to herself once more. She had never envisioned being in Xu Chang, let alone kept overnight under such reasons, but she would see it through, regardless of how morally wrong it may be.
How long she had been laying down was a mystery; her thoughts took her into a realm where time had no value and whether dreaming or daydreaming could have been the outcome. Shang Xiang's daze was abruptly taken away as the sound of a familar voice outside sent her sitting up in a matter of a second, perked up by who it was. It was still dark and she didn't feel like she had slept either, so presumed it was only an hour or so since she had returned.
“I greet you tonight, gentlemen, and trust you’ve seen the lady well so far this night?”
The words made her shift to her feet, moving towards the door, only to stop to think for a brief moment; how did she look? The thought played on her mind and she moved back away, leaping towards her sword on the table, using the blade to take a quick glance to adjust her hair and make herself look at least somewhat presentable.
"We... we we're told to wait here, General Liao."
One of the guards stuttered his words, worried what might happen, but before the thought could reach his head the door opened and his saviour appeared. "That's right, I told them to wait here, you wouldn't want them disobeying me would you?" An attempt to keep that stern look from earlier faltered with her last words and she sighed gently, giving up on her little game for the moment. "Guards, I'll send for you soon, it seems the general shares my insomnia this night and we shall speak in private."
She was playing it all very dangerously, acting unorthodox towards her guards around what they considered the main enemy in the demon of Wu, yet she seemed to care little and with a final glare at them, they realised she was being serious and left to rest. Xiang turned and headed back inside her room, only turning around when she reached around midway and rolled her eyes playfully. "You can come in, Liao. We're not in court anymore."
Shang Xiang wasn't the hardest to read and the greatest hint yet showed when her eyes tried several times to leave the face of Wenyuan's but always returned. She hoped it wasn't too obvious and she did try and hide her emotions, it all depended on the man and whether he realised.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 15, 2011 2:56:24 GMT
A smirk stretched wide across Zhang Liao’s face as he questioned the guards on their post. They had allowed Sun Shang Xiang to wonder the hostile capital, and she was nearly attacked by an esteemed lord of the Xiahou clan. If it was not for his bodyguard, Shen Ha, it might have been a while before Xiahou Ba recognized who she was, if he did at all. He did not want to imagine what the son of the mighty Xiahou Yuan would have done if he thought a common noble’s wife assaulted him.
“We… we were told to wait here, General Liao,” Spoke the Wu guard at the entrance to the estate, stuttering before Zhang Liao. He only then realized that he was striking an imposing stance on the man, a mere guard standing before a slightly angered Zhang Liao. He did not mean to come across so fearsome to the man. After all, were the two kingdoms not in a ceasefire and Sun Shang Xiang not an envoy in a time of relative peace, it was not far from possible that these two men would share a battlefield on opposing sides. None would wonder who would win in a conflict between Zhang Liao and a simple guard, no matter how esteemed he was.
The lady Sun opened the door, putting on a strong face yet again in the presence of Zhang Liao, at least in front of her men.
“Sir, I applaud your obedience. I simply feared for the lady as an envoy in lands that some would see as hostile. Not all men of Wei share the hostility of our lord,” He said, saluting the guard, “And you need not refer titles my way, as I am not your general.”
His eyes found Shang Xiang’s, who dismissed the guards back to their post as she led Wenyuan to her room. In private, she dropped her courtly demeanor and for the first time in days, he saw the side of her he met at Hefei when they shared a toast of wine.
He stepped into her room and took a few paces toward the center, turning to face her. He couldn’t help but notice her passing glances, and he could tell she was trying not to blush in the situation. He soon found himself smiling at her, his eyes refusing to leave her stare.
What a fool he was! What situation was he in? Why was he even here? Once again he found himself lost in a dream that this scenario was anything but a mistake. He would be better off finding an excuse for entering her room in private, dismissing any foolish emotions he had for the princess, and departing until the morning, where he would cordially report his progress on the Bronze Spire to Cao Cao then return to Shouchun and his post. It was the wise thing to do; it was truly what he should do.
But alas, it was not what he would do.
“It appears as though we are not,” He said, referring to her remark about the casual meeting so late, “I am glad Shen Ha got there when he did. I fear for the tigress, for she has the heart of a warrior in foreign lands. Are you alright?”
While she aimed to hide what her eyes sought to tell, Zhang Liao’s hid nothing. He looked upon her with a caring stare, one he didn’t manage to show often.
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Post by Adam on Jun 17, 2011 22:42:33 GMT
The feeling had been alien to her for some time as her heart skipped a beat. The reasons for her attaction to the man were simple, but no less dangerous. He was the epitome of power in the current era, a man of peerless ability on the battlefield, surpassing even the famed Guan Yu in her eyes. He was smart, strong, charming and kind; personality traits she couldn't help but take notice of and appreciate.
Much in the same manner, Shang Xiang knew their meeting was a mistake; one that could have serious backlashes later on, but alas her immaturity with the situation prevented her from allowing such thoughts of the future press its claim on her mind. The two clearly enjoyed one another's company and if it got out what she was doing, Wu would turn to turmoil. Sun Quan would be in uproar within moments of hearing the news, Wu's forces would likely be primed for a premature strike on Hefei once again.
"Yeah, I'm fine, only a little ache in my back, nothing serious or too uncomfortable, I think I'll survive." She voiced, smiling in her almost-constant way when he was around. "It was lucky I didn't kick Xiahou Ba any harder in his jaw however." She seemed a little pleased with herself over her counter attack, as a slightly noticable slyness encrouched on her lips.
Her legs took her a step forward, briding the small gap between her and Zhang Liao that little bit more, it was done without any real thought, a more natural action due to the circumstances.
"How fares your night, Wenyuan? Do you not sleep well under normal circumstances either? Or is this visit you pay me for other reasons." She wanted to find out what he really thought of her, of course she thought she knew, but she had to hear it from her words and she possibly gave enough of a subtle question to potentially find that very answer.
Nervously her hands played with one another in front of her hips and once more her teeth bit her lip, giving away everything the man would need to know. Shang Xiang was quite frankly an open book when it came to being nervous, or at least she was when it came to Zhang Liao.
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Post by Shen Ha on Jun 18, 2011 5:53:48 GMT
He did not know what it was about the princess that had him so enthralled, but he knew it had consumed him. He had fought it for some time now, since he first met her and shared wine with her at Shouchun, but he would resist no more. Perhaps it was her fire, her vigorous courage or her outspoken and powerful presence despite a small, but enticing frame. He couldn’t place what it was that drew him in because it was all of it. There was nothing about Sun Shang Xiang that didn’t spark Zhang Liao’s interest.
While Zhang Liao first opened the door with fear of repercussions, he no longer thought of what Cao Cao would think if he found out, or whether or not his subordinates would see him in the same light if he was sharing feelings with the sister of their enemy. His mind was only drawn to the moment; his eyes only saw the beautiful and charming returning glance of Sun Shang Xiang. He damned everything for this moment, and just as he stood in the face of battle, he was brave. As he always was, oh how he was fearless.
He couldn’t help but return Shang Xiang’s smile as she spoke. His mind was stuck on her smile so much that he missed what she had said entirely. Recovering, he mustered a reply.
“I am glad my bodyguard Shen Ha was of service to you, my lady, “He said, “Xiahou Ba will say nothing, and you need not fear consequence for any vile thing.”
Sun Shang Xiang drifted closer, just as Zhang Liao did, and they continued to do so without knowing it, until Wenyuan glanced down and noticed her chest was only inches from his.
“I’ve not slept well in years, I’m afraid. But that is while I defend Shouchun. I should be able to sleep easy while my duties are lieutenants’, but I find my thoughts have betrayed my rest to thoughts of you,” He said, hiding nothing, “And I sent Shen Ha to ensure you were safe.”
He looked down to see her nervously playing with her hands in front of her, and he carefully took hold of them, looking up to meet her eyes once again.
“You are a gem, my lady,” He said, his other hand reaching up to softly brush aside her hair, “One far too beautiful for Xuchang. The nation is in chaos and its capital is no different, I’ve feared for you every second since bringing you here.”
His hand caressed her cheek, slowly shifting down her jaw line until he reached her chin. He closed the distance between the two, his hand releasing hers and reaching around her back as he drew her into his arms. He lifted her chin up towards him, leaning closer as he spoke.
“But I no longer fear, for now you are mine.”
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Post by Adam on Jun 18, 2011 12:57:40 GMT
Strange to think someone could have such an effect in such little time, yet there she was the young princess, unable to push away from someone who should be seen as her enemy. Her breath was taken as they both neared one another, her nerves taking their toll as ever. What she wanted from the meeting would make her brother's skin crawl, but like Zhang Liao, she seemed to care no longer about others.
Their chests nearly met and Shang Xiang took in his smell, it made her want him to say the words more and she looked on at he spoke with hopeful eyes, hopeful that she hadn't misjudged the situation entirely. She'd been playing with her hands and she realised just as Liao did, looking down at them with a blush. Her surprise rose all of a sudden when her hands were taken ahold of. It was a feeling that Shang Xiang hadn't had in a long time and it felt so wrong not to have had it's rewarding qualities.
The warrior brushed her hair from her face in his next action and spoke caringly about her, showing the side of him she hoped he had, her face brightening with a happy grin, her beauty radiating at his words. Her head moved into his touch and soon she was looking up again towards his eyes as he lifted her chin up with that hand of his.
“But I no longer fear, for now you are mine.”
The words should scare her, not because they were meant badly, but because she had never been one to give herself up in such a manner in such a small space of time. Her southern insincts told her to push him away and make him work if he wanted such power over her, but how could she. Shang Xiang felt compelled to give herself to him, allow him to tame the tigress, even if it wasn't her usual method.
"Nothing would make me happier."
Her words replied to his as her eyes looked dreamily into his own. She hadn't even realised how tame she was around him, not even Liu Bei got such submission under those circumstances. Her lips quivered so close to him, goosebumps forming also through anticpation and joy.
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Post by Yang on Jun 18, 2011 13:10:06 GMT
He was running after someone, what's worse he was on rooftop. It was Flying Hawk, a masked thief who doesn't reside to anyone... steal from the rich and gave them to the poor. It was a noble deed, but a thief is a thief and he can't escaped from the law because right now he is carrying a bag of gold. "Wait!" Meng Qiu yelled at the thief who is running faster than him, they jump from rooftop to rooftop. Catching a thief used to be a duty of magistrate but Flying Hawk is proved to be more capable than any normal thieves, a worthy opponent for Meng Qiu... One good thing about the thief is that he did not killed anyone, otherwise whole Cao forces will after him.
The thief stopped his tracks immediately and turned around, draw his straight sword out and aimed for him. The young Wei officer too, draw his sword and parried Flying Hawk's attack. The two individuals clashed their swords together and leap back from each other, Flying Hawk ready his stance, a rather smooth and graceful moves. "... Baguazhang?!" Meng Qiu muttered as he readied his sword, it's a pity that he didn't brought his spear along with him. "Indeed... It is interesting that not magistrates who were after me but Meng Qiu, a warrior of Cao Ren."
Wait... Flying Hawk's voice... It's not a man's but woman's voice! So Flying Hawk must be a woman! This is Meng Qiu's main weakness, he immediately went silent. "Oh? What happened to the famous warrior of Cao Ren? Ah yes! I've heard Meng Qiu is afraid of women... or perhaps shy of knowing that Flying Hawk who is a woman?" the thief teased at the young warrior, who were stared at her blankly. Still lingered aimlessly in his thoughts, Meng Qiu later saw Flying Hawk is on the run again as she jumped off from the rooftops... What's worse that she in went into an estate, she was daring. "Wa... Wait! Flying Hawk!" he yelled again and jumped off from rooftops and after the thief.
The officer chased the female thief into an estate and no doubt there is going to have a lot of trouble. Flying Hawk had enough of Meng Qiu for being stubborn and this time, she is going to fight him for real. "You're really stubborn like a horse without it's master!" she was furious this time, she turned around and trying to thrust her palm onto Meng Qiu's lamellar armor while Meng Qiu blocked and grabbed the mask off from Flying Hawk.To his surprise, Flying Hawk is an attractive woman indeed... beat Meng Qiu into speechless. "Never met with a woman?!" Flying Hawk had her chance and gave her front kick into the young Cao military officer's lamellar armor, send him flying backward. Meng Qiu landed and crashed the vases nearby, he was groaned in pain.
Flying Hawk... without her mask immediately run away from Meng Qiu, she disappeared like a thin of mist. Meng Qiu wanted to ask her name but she was gone. But even she was gone, no doubt the Flying Hawk will come back to Meng Qiu for the mask. He slowly back onto his feet but the estate guards came with their spears, they quickly apprehended Meng Qiu and forced him onto his knees. "Wait! I'm Meng Qiu! One of Lord Cao Ren's officers! I'm-"
"You are an intruder! How dare you entered the estate of Sun without permission?!"
Sun estate...? Meng Qiu is going to have a lot of trouble now, thanks to Flying Hawk.
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