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Post by Lu Dun on Apr 4, 2011 5:08:25 GMT
Lu Fei was exhausted from his journey to Xiang Yang, but it was important for his lord and his people. He also brought gifts for Liu Biao, the gifts were that of grain and wine After clearing the river, Lu Fei heads towards the gates of the city. When he reached the gates, the guards stopped him and inquired him on why he was here. " Well Kind sir I have came on an errand from my Lord Sun Ce, he wishes for me to speak to Lord Liu Biao, it is a manner for your Lord to hear only.
The guards debated about letting him in, but after 10 min. they have come to a decision to let him into the city. Lu Fei was relieved that they let him past. For he knew that Lord Liu Biao and the Sun family have been at odds lately.
As he was walking into the city he was interested of how the people here were so happy even what was going on in the north and might spread to the south.
He reached the palace after taking a sightseeing trip and he was stopped by the Palace guards who told him to stop and asked his busineiss. He told them exactly what he told the guards at the gate. We are going to see if our Lord will accept you., the guard to his left said, he appeared to be mid age possibly has seen better days but now he was serving his Lord directly. Alright go see your Lord I will wait patiently here. Lu Fei said as he took a seat near the stairs.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 22, 2011 14:15:04 GMT
OOC: Sorry this took so long, but with all that's been going on we've all been busy. And sorry so short, I'm in a bit of a hurry right now. The next post will be greatly improved I assure you.
Liu Biao was sitting smartly contemplating his next step in this chaotic land. He desired to see the Sun family lose their power, but he too realized the other threats of the land. He was facing trouble deciding course of action he should take next. As he arose to consult with his comrade Huang Zu, the door to the room opened and one of his guards entered the room. "My lord, Lu Fei of Sun Ce's forces is here to speak with you. By orders of his lord he refuses to disclose this information to anyone other than you.""Hmm," Liu Biao contemplated just what he should do. this Lu Fei was being quite secretive and it made Liu Biao uneasy. This man was an officer for Sun Ce and therefor a threat. "Disarm him entirely, and search well, then he may be allowed to enter and we shall discuss the errand he has come on. But, be close and ready; for should I call he has come as an assassin and I will need you to protect me.""At once, my lord," the guard said as he hurried from the room. Liu Biao was no fool, but an assassin did not seem the style of the Sun family. He felt as though this Lu Fei truly wished to consult with him, but he was still disquiet. An odd feeling had come over him and he was sure it concerned this Lu Fei.
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 23, 2011 5:01:47 GMT
OOC: Lu Fei has informed me he is quitting this site due to events on WORP (something about Colby and Lu Bu). Anyway, I'll be taking over
Wait!!!!! Li Wang yelled as he came upon Lu Fei at the gates of Xiang Yang. He was galloping hard, having ridden nonstop for days in an attempt to catch up to Lu Fei. He caught up about 5 minutes after he'd yelled.
General, our liege requests that you return to Jian Ye immediately, though on what errand I cannot say for I do not know. I am to take your place on this mission. You may take your escort; I shall not require them. Li was respectful as he gave this speech, but his tone demanded compliance; after all, his rank of Commander General far exceed that of Lu Fei's Tiger General. The only three men who gave Li orders were Sun Ce, Grand Strategist Zhou Yu and Grand Commander Huang Gai.
Yes, General. Please excuse me. Lu Fei was calm as he remounted his horse and left. Just then, however, the guard came back.
General Lu, I must ask tha... where are you going?
I am Commander General Li Wang of Sun Ce's forces, and I'll be taking over from General Lu here. Please inform your lord of this so as not to cause confusion or insult, please; I would not wish him to believe we have deceived him in any way. Li used the same tone with this guard; he may be from a different force, but he was here as a guest of Liu Biao (hopefully) and thus was within his rights to order a guard to deliver a message. So he hoped. Li let out a nearly imperceptible sigh as the man scurried off yet again, at which point Li slid off his horse.
Now, he addressed the other guard, I am going to give you my weapons for safe keeping while I am in the city. Li slowly began to draw his shortsword, causing the remaining guard to lower his spear in alarm.
Wh-What are you doing?! Archers! A row of archers appeared on the city wall, all pointing bows at Li.
Easy! Li uttered reassuringly as he turned he held the sword, blade resting on his right palm. He offered the blade to the man. See? I mean you no harm.
Alright then... The man clearly didn't trust him, but he took the blade anyway, trusting to the archers to slay Li if he attacked.
After the man had placed Li's now-sheathed shortsword in the guardhouse, Li held out the slightly longer twin blades with their peculiar extended hilts. The guard let out a nervous laugh as he took those and reentered the guard house, but once he came back, his jaw nearly dropped in shock as Li extended the butt of his dagger-axe spear to him.
Those are all the weapons I have. But after you've searched me, I ask that I may be allowed to re-don my armor; I realize that my liege and yours are not on good terms at the moment, and I may have to leave these gates in haste. Not that I'm accusing your liege of attempting such a thing, but I wouldn't put it past some other person seeking to gain favor with your liege to think of killing me to do it. Li smiled as he settled on to his haunches to await the first guard's return.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 24, 2011 0:48:11 GMT
Liu Biao was preparing to meet with Lu Fei from Sun Ce's army. He grabbed a blade and set it beside his throne upon which he now set. Just as he sat down, the guard returned to his throne room. "My lord, Lu Fei has been ordered back to return to his land. Lord Li Wang has come to stand in his place.Hmm, that's odd. What could that mean. Liu Biao wondered if it was wise to continue with this meeting now. "My lord, Li Wang awaits your word to enter."Ah, yes. Treat him just as I ordered Lu Fei. No weapons are to be allowed to be brought into this room."My lord, he has already surrendered his weapons; but he requests that he be allowed to wear his armor during your conference. Should I insist that he remove it?"Liu Biao smiled slightly. This Li Wang was rather intelligent. "That will not be necessary, he cannot harm me with only his armor. Just be certain that he is entirely stripped of his weapons. "At once, my lord!" With that the guard was gone. Liu Biao made no real effort to hide his blade. This Li Wang would know that his life were in trouble if he did try anything funny, and Liu Biao wanted the blade within easy reach.
It's a shame about Lu Fei, I hope he makes his way back someday.
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 24, 2011 3:26:59 GMT
"General, you may keep your armor. Please, follow me."
Li grinned as his request was met; he was certain Liu Biao had had an assassination planned if Li was not careful, but he would know now that Li had thought this out. He'd just effectively assured Liu Biao of his own personal safety and Li's own confidence that he would leave this meeting alive...
It was not long before Li found himself in Liu Biao's presence, and he made sure to make a good show of respect, not kowtowing but bowing as one does to a noble. He could not help but grin when his suspicion was confirmed to be correct by the blade in plain sight. Li could probably wrestle that away from the man if it came down to it, but Liu obviously knew it wouldn't be in time to avoid death at the hands of the guards stationed outside. Therefore, both parties could rest assured that they would walk away unharmed. "Lord Liu, it is an honor to finally meet you. I have heard great things about you." Li's grin became even wider, his happiness to meet this man sincere.
"My liege Sun sends these gifts of the finest wine and richest grain as a peace offering." Li gestured to the hand cart he'd pulled in with him; inside were a few sacks of grain and a few skins of wine. " I couldn't bring all of it in, but the rest is waiting for you in the east guard post." Li was still smiling (sincerely) as he said this. He was struggling internally not to flatter this man, but the surface showed a smooth facade of diplomatic bullshit.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 24, 2011 4:19:14 GMT
Liu Biao smiled as Li Wang bowed before him. The general was indeed clad in his armor and that ensured Liu Biao that he shouldn't move from his throne. "General, it is good to meet in peace. I pray you understand that I must not stray from my throne; one cannot be too careful in these times, and it would look poorly on me to venture into carelessness." While he was certain Li Wang had noticed the nearby sword, he had to be certain to remove as much possibility of assassination as possible. Liu Biao arose from his throne and, keeping his blade nearby but sheathed; approached the handcart with Li Wang. He carefully examined the grains and the wine. "Fine indeed, Sun Ce must have realized being my enemy held no benefit for him. Such fine gifts in the name of peace, but to accept hastily and upon these gifts would be foolhardy and irresponsible."Liu Biao returned to his throne and sat down. "That does not mean that I will not consider this proposal, but it will take some consideration. I will have preparations made for you in the city until I have come to my conclusion on the matter. Unfortunately we must keep your weapons until such time as you leave our land; I pray that you understand my position, General."Liu Biao smiled. "Now, certainly you have personal requests to make of me. I would ask that you make them before you leave this chamber so that I may focus on the repercussions of this request."
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 24, 2011 5:05:09 GMT
Li understood the thinly veiled meaning in Liu Biao's first comment: I would rise to greet you, but I'm afraid you might try to kill me. He was quite baffled, therefore, when Liu Biao approached the hand cart. He did not comment though, only made sure that his hands were clearly visible upon the edge of it.
"My Lord, I full heartedly believe that a three-part alliance between your forces, ours, and those of Liu Bei's would be in the Empire's best interests." Li gulped after these words spilled out of his mouth; he had not meant to be so forward. He quickly moved on as Liu Biao returned to his throne.
"But we can discuss that at another time, perhaps.
Li smiled and thanked the man as he mentioned quarters being provided for him, but at this point he could not decide if that meant he was to be a prisoner within the walls of Xiang Yang or an honored guest. Either way, he had a mission to fulfill.
"You are too kind, my lord. As far as personal requests, I ask only that you act in the best interests of your people... and perhaps directions to a good restaurant; I could eat a whole cow right now. Li laughed, but he was serious, he was hungry, and wanted to find something to eat.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 24, 2011 9:06:41 GMT
A three-part alliance with Sun Ce and Liu Bei. Both were certainly great allies, but three-part alliances often fell fast and hard. But Liu Biao could certainly not stand alone any longer. Liu Biao smiled and laughed as Li Wang requested a restaurant. Yes, I suppose it has been quite a day for you. But I'd dare not send you to a restaurant. In public you could find yourself in danger and unarmed. What message would that send to your lord were you assassinated within my city. You'll eat here tonight as my personal guest, you'll need not fear poison that way. And your whereabouts shall be known only to yourself, myself, and my second; Huang Zu."Liu Biao called in a messenger to take word of tonight's dinner plans to the kitchen. He was careful to mention that they'd be entertaining a guest, but not make mention of who the guest was. Liu Biao noticed how his behavior thus far had affected Li Wang. "Understand, my friend; the length I keep between us and the blade by my side are not meant as distrust, but merely caution. As of the moment you entered here we were enemies, and sometimes and enemy feigns an olive branch. It is as you asked of me, to do what is best for my people. That requires me to be wary of what steps I take, that is all it is."
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 24, 2011 15:44:29 GMT
Li felt a spasm of fear when it was mentioned that almost noone would know of his whereabouts; as almost nobody knew he was here, that would make an assassination almost all too easy should Liu Biao or even Huang Zu desire it. Li had no choice though; he was not exactly in a position to argue the point.
Understand, my friend; the length I keep between us and the blade by my side are not meant as distrust, but merely caution. As of the moment you entered here we were enemies, and sometimes and enemy feigns an olive branch. It is as you asked of me, to do what is best for my people. That requires me to be wary of what steps I take, that is all it is.
With that, Li decided he could at least trust Liu Biao to let him live til the morning. He resolved that he would sleep fully armored, however.
I understand completely, my Lord. I would do much the same were I in your position. Li smiled; this had gone much as Li thought it would. The only difference was that Li was on house arrest under conditions of anonymity. Which was why he would be careful to make sure his door was securely locked tonight, just in case.
And I thank you for your hospitality, my Lord. However, I must disagree about your thoughts on poison. I am a high ranked officer in Sun Ce's army, and I'm certain someone here will eventually realize I'm here with enough digging. It would be all too easy for them to slip poison into my food. If I were to eat out in the city, however, poison would become nigh impossible as nobody would know exactly where I would go before hand. I realize this may stretch the limits of my freedom, but know this; I will not leave Xiang Yang until my mission is complete. I would return here after each meal to await your summons. Li paused here. If you'll allow this.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 24, 2011 21:46:31 GMT
"You're caution is duly noted, but your rank betrayed you the moment you entered the city," Liu Biao confirmed Li Wang. "There are none within these walls who do not know you. I'll not restrict you here, but merely advise you against many public appearances. As to the poison I mentioned, who would dare risk poisoning me to get to you?"Liu Biao still understood Li Wang's caution point of view. He was a wise man with a different perspective on matters. "I will say, you honor me well. You're cautious and clever, but trustworthy and honorable. It is a rare combination of traits, one you share with both the late Sun Jian and his son Sun Ce. I will have an answer for you come morning. Until then, I request you be wary of the steps you take; I wish to see you in the morning to deliver my answer."
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 24, 2011 22:01:32 GMT
"I thank you for your concern, my Lord, but if you'll allow it I'd rather eliminate the possibility; there's no point in you being killed along with me by an ignorant assassin. That would not reflect well upon my liege."
Li bowed to the man when he was dismissed, a genuine smile plastered on his face; unless he missed his guess, Liu Biao had just told him he favored alliance, but wished to consult with his advisers first. Li would not need to sneak out of Xiang Yang after all.
"You are too kind my Lord. It is I who should be flattering you." Li laughed a little to attempt to show that he meant no disrespect, but beneath the facade of diplomatic horse shit, it was strained; Li was anxious to put food in his belly.
Li bowed once more and, after saying farewell, strode out of the throne room to find a restaurant. He would be in his room within 2 hours of this meeting.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 24, 2011 22:12:14 GMT
Liu Biao chuckled as Li Wang left his presence. He was a truly great man, one Liu Biao would love to have by his side. But to make such a proposal to the commander general of Sun Ce's forces would be foolish. No, an alliance would give him the chance he needed and the aid he'd need in the war. "I must consult with Huang Zu now. I'm certain he is one of the few with the wisdom to see this advise me properly on this matter."
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 25, 2011 0:16:42 GMT
OOC: You asked for it ------------------------------------------------------------- Li had kept up a facade of diplomatic horse shit in Liu Biao's throne room, but now that he was out of sight of the palace his face contorted into agony; it was not hunger for food that led him to seek a free run of the city. No, it was a more carnal hunger that drove him now... Li shook himself as he was nearly trampled by a horse cart. Way to go, Wang, you nearly just killed yourself while your mind was in the gutter. That would have led to an alliance, no doubt!Li made sure to keep his eyes open as he walked, taking especial care to notice what sort of people were going into which inns. He would not need to stay, only to... borrow... a client. But first he headed to an apothecary. "Hi, buddy, I have a really special night planned. I need something that will... make it last... if you catch my drift."Relax pal you're not the only officer to come in here. Just consume a pinch of this 20 minutes before it begins and you'll be good for at least 30 minutes." The man winked confidentially as he held up a miniscule pouch; it probably contained 5 doses of the drug. "Of course, you can always up the dosage if you need more time. Just don't use too much or you can hurt yourself, especially if you plan to ride a horse any time soon. Li thanked the man and paid him before he left with two pouches in his pocket. Now to find someone to use this on...------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty minutes later, Li found himself chatting up a pair of serving maids while he ate in one of the seedier taverns. His armor had been left in his room at the palace, so to the rest of the world he was just another man eating and drinking at a slightly less respectable inn. The maids were just busty enough, and the clientele was of the poorer sort. Show enough gold or just enough charm and Li would find himself going to bed with company. So, Miss Cai, what can you tell me about those two over here? Li's tone was slightly flirtatious as he used his head to gesture towards her breasts, which just happened to be hanging over the table so that Li could see a good amount of cleavage. "Well, I'm sure they'd like to get some fresh air, and perhaps a bit of exercise."But I don't think they'd be brave enough without their best friends.The maids giggled. What they were lacking in seductiveness, they at least maid up for in forwardness. Li decided it was good enough. Well, if they don't mind meeting with me in private, I could offer some advice...------------------------------------------------------------------ Just over an hour later, Li was lying on a bed in the guest house, two very satisfied women on either side.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 28, 2011 1:37:37 GMT
OOC: Hehe, I'm evil!
The messenger charged through the streets searching for Li Wang. Liu Biao had come to his decision far sooner than expected and the messenger had been ordered to hurry. He'd heard rumor of a man few knew wearing armor headed toward an inn, and had followed the directions there Bursting into the inn he barely managed to explain his hurry to the keeper and learned of the room Li Wang was in. He charged toward the room and began to hammer on the door loudly. "M-my lord! Lord Liu Biao wishes to speak with you now. He has asked me to hurry and return you to the palace immediately." As the man continued to pound on the door, he realized he really didn't have the time to wait. "I'm sorry my lord, but we haven't the time to wait any longer. I'm coming in." With that the messenger threw the door open and barreled into the room.
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 28, 2011 1:57:30 GMT
OOC: I hope you were referring to the guard and not Liu Biao "J-Just a moment!" Li yelled apprehensively as he hurriedly attempted to get dressed. The girls had given muffled yelps as the guard continued to pound on the door. They'd managed to get half way under the covers when the guard threw the door open, catching just a flash as they went under while Li stood wearing only a padded shirt. I... uh... umm... give me a few minutes? The normally articulate Li Wang was flabbergasted as he hurriedly dressed.
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