Arrival of the young Wolf

[Xu Shu]

Xu Shu, former officer of Liu Biao traveled towards the city of Xin Ye, which Liu Biao gave to Liu Bei. Xu Shu was on horse back, with his light armor beneath his robes, a sword sheathed on the right side of his hips as well as a tacticians fan assorted of black and white feathers. It would seem that Xu Shu had not recieved any trouble while traveling towards the City of Xin Ye, being in impeccable health. The City of Xin Ye was just in site, Xu Shu half-smiled at the sight of the City, being glad that he was able to avoid both bandits and wildlife, as well being able to meet Lord Liu Bei.

Xu Shu continued his gallop towards the city, becoming closer to the city and Lord Liu Bei every second. The farmers and peasants outside the city, had smiles of happiness and joy, something which Xu Shu had not seen for quite a while, this itself caused Xu Shu to fully smile, was Liu Bei the right lord for Xu Shu? Definitely. Xu Shu came halted the gallop and looked down upon a local of Xin Ye

"You! Do you know where I can find Lord Liu Bei? Or someone who serves beneath him?" Xu Shu smiled, his tone was soothing and calm.

"mm-yes, into Xin Ye and straight onto the government building!" The peasant replied with slight enthusiasm, Xu shu nodded approvingly , eying the peasant as he scurried off. Xu Shu continued his gallop into the city of Xin Ye.

Xu Shu has arrived at Xin Ye

( Ya.. well, don't expect any post that is too lengthly :') )

[Gong]

Taking to the fields was a most suffering labour, but one that many enjoyed to contemplate the current affairs and become close to the brethren of the earth. Guiding through the many flower gardens, it was the delicate nature of the Lady Huang who searched for her most prized flowers; the white and pink peonies that summer could not help to bless them with. When in sight one of the small flowers would be plucked and taken as companion upon the days strole, fortunate for the tutors to be schooling the young Zhan leaving her for an afternoon to her own devices..and a gentle walk was always something she enjoyed. To glance at the surroundings and allow the smooth breeze to relieve the mind of any stresses, clearing the obstacles and allow true thought to slow with some stability again. But this day differes, as there was something melancholy within the air. From the gates to the front of the city came a face most recognisable and one that the Lady Huang had not seen for many a year..the old school-friend of her husband, Zhuge Liang, the cunning marvel that was Xu Shu. Placing the peony into the clip that was holding her long jet black hair in place, the young woman moved lightly but with swift feet to meet the man she had not seen for some time.

With a gentile smile upon her visage, the young woman gave him a salutation bow that was most deserving not only of his name but also the superiority she held him in. "Dear Master Xu, it has been some time since we last met. I only hope you have not forgotten the wife of your former school-friend, Yueying." Though not of her family, the Lady Huang had always been comfortable for Xu Shu to refer to her as her nickname that was given to her in her youth. There was doubt that he would remember her, but the hope remained, after all she was sure that even Xu had not seen Zhuge for so long..his absence was testing to the memory and one of spontaneoty that even the Heavens could not estimate his returns....

[Xu Shu]

Xu Shu smiled as he saw Yueying, vaguely remembering her from the times he studied with Zhuge Liang, it had indeed been a long time since he had seen both either Yueying or Zhuge Liang. Xu Shu squinted as he eyed Yueying, analysing her from top to bottom. Xu Shu climbed down from his horse and offered a deep bow, as he rose his smile seemed far wider, his face filled with joy and happiness. Despite believing that emotions, such as happiness, joy, sadness and so forth should be kept in check, he however could not suppress his emotion.

"Ah, the prized beauty of the Sleeping Dragon, it's been a while Yueying a-and of course I remember you!" Xu Shu's tone was rather erratic and filled with excitement, it was rare for him to see familiar faces during these times. Xu Shu tilted his head towards the ground in thought, muttering and nodding to himself a few times before raising his head. Xu Shu straightens his posture and regains his calm attitude, the excitement which he had felt ended despite it being quite brief. "How do you fair, my lady?" Xu Shu's voice seemed far soother and calm than before, offering a faint smile.

[Gong]

The Lady Huang enjoyed the over-enthusiastic show of emotions, it seemed quite refreshing after being surrounded by those who believed such feelings should be repressed; after all, were people not happy to see those they knew. But, as the appreciate continued she viewed the sudden drop in character after he had dismounted his horse.. The Lady Huang had forgotten how strange the Master Xu coould be, as if attempting to prove something that would always be present..perhaps trying too hard through some self-made pressures.. "Such compliments Master Xu, it is a blessing to see you after so long. I only hope the journey to the city was most welcoming." Viewing the faint smile, she wondered if the years had changed them at all..would Zhuge and himself be as the youthful students they once were, or maybe two men gazing to the ideals of their self created arrogance. "I fair well Master Xu, these times have been troubling but we all must prepare for such things.."

"What of you, how have you faired since leaving the tutolage of Master Sima?" The old marvel had rarely been seen these days, quite a shame when thinking upon the matter..he was always a kind man. Smiling to Xu Shu, the Lady Huang gestured further upon the road wondering if he would like to continue their conversation with a strole..she would lead him back to the Zhuge estate within Xinye, as an old friend he would gain the highest of care for his stay in Xinye. "I hope you do not see my question as insolent, but what brings yourself to this small city; desired a reunion with Master Zhuge?"

[Xu Shu]

Xu Shu offered a gentle smile, gesturing forward for Lady Huang to walk as he followed behind. As he followed behind, he continued to stare at the ground thoughtfully. Over the years Xu Shu's belief in equality had grown, feeling no need for superiority over the likes of women and commoners. However, Xu Shu valued and respected Lady Huang highly, both for her brilliant mind and her beauty. His eyes rose forward, as they strolled towards the Zhuge Estate.

"Oh, I've been doing well my lady, I had served Liu Biao very briefly before arriving to this nice little city of yours. Xu Shu continued to offer a gentle smile, eyeing Lady Huang briefly from behind before returning his focus to the path ahead. "Sigh.. It's been a while since I've seen Sima Hui, he was a great man indeed, hopefully the likes of myself and Lord Zhuge Liang will be able to prove that our time under him has not gone wasted" It had indeed been a few good years since Xu Shu had seen Sima Hui, he considered him to be a great tactician and role model, always hoping to prove himself to surpass or at least equal Sima Hui's abilities.

"Other than Liu Biao.. I've been living a quiet life however I believe that serving Liu Xuande for the time being is the best course of action." Xu Shu twisted his mouth thoughtfully at the concept of serving Liu Bei and the possible reunion with Zhuge Liang, however it had been many years, one would hope Zhuge Liang would remember Xu Shu. "heh, I did not come to here to seek a reunion with Zhuge Liang specifically, but to serve Lord Bei.. as I've just said, though the thought of meeting my old 'pal Zhuge Liang seems fantastic" Xu Shu smirked briefly.

[Gong]

The Lady Huang remembered the little time she was honoured with when she first met Master Sima, a man of great wisdom who would not be found again..the single conversation they shared when introduced by Zhuge, would remain with her and one that she only aspired to formulate. She was unaware that the Master Xu went into sub-bordination with her Uncle, she had been away for so long that news of her family were no longer current and the communications with even her father had turned to a weak stream..how she missed them. Gazing towards Xu, the woman smiled in content that a being from their past had return and even had hopes of remaining within the region to aid their common Lord. "I hope my Uncle treated you well, I understand his health is no longer what it used to be.." Many would not associated Liu Biao having such a relative as Lady Huang, but through the marriage to Lady Cai she had links to the Imperial Clan...from this thought came the worry about her Aunt, for the Lady Cai had taken such a turbulant road to tread and knew that she had gained many enemies....

"It brings the Green Banner much luck to have you aid them, I hope you can view these lands a home for you." As a faint smile grew upon her expression, the Lady Huang turned to look at Xu and viewed him as not only a superior, but as if he were family too.. There was no denying that she admired him, after all many did, for his civil intellect and governmental knowledge were profound. Furthermore, his aptitude of the military were becoming unmatched within their realm..thus who could not help but see him in awe?.. "I feel at peace if this Kingdom has your help to nurture them into the future, and I know that Liang will feel the same; current affairs have become so tiresome upon him..not only will he appreciate the help, from a like-minded being, but also the companionship." Looking away, she knew that her place was not to truly serve side-by-side..it was the place of Xu Shu to take that and with him, the Kingdom would flourish better than ever before.. "As you understand the traditions, I must remain within the shadows. But, I have our little Zhan to keep me company." Lady Huang was unaware whether the Master Xu had been informed of the birth of Zhan, now 13 the pride she had for her son was everlasting and the closeness they shared could never be cut..

"It is good to see you, Shu.." It was quite unliked Huang to refer to him by his name, and of course through inferiority it was unheard of. But, she could not help herself, feeling relieved that not only was he safe but wishing to help the Green Banner. He was a jewel within the realm and a rare one at that, also a close friend of Zhuge's..perhaps now the stress of responsibility would not be so hard, though she could view that Xu Shu had more foundation than that of the Sleeping Dragon...

The Zhuge estate was just ahead, it was clear that the Sleeping Dragon could take no pride in achieving this manor house..for it gained the stylings of the Huang family residence back in Xiangyang, it was not elaborate but more so in comparison with what one would assume Zhuge's taste. After all, in his absence, it was the Lady Huang to take the helm of the household and re-establish their home within Liu Bei's territory. Not wanting for the clan to crumble without their patron, she took role of Matriarch and showed much promise through the organisation and creation of the estate. "I cannot imagine the fatigue you have from your journey here Master Xu, I only wish our abode can bring you some satisfactory comfort; would you wish for some tea, or perhaps a little wine to relieve your aches?" To the entrance of the courtyard came some aged maid servants, loyal employees who had been with Lady Huang since she was born and showed no sign of wavoring in their love for her. They recognised the being that accompanied her and treated him as if Xu were Zhuge's very own brother..as ordered by the Matriarch, that all that passed the threshold were treated as if Immortals; but in this case, they would do more so for the likes of Master Xu...