Warlords: Three Kingdoms

Trendkill/Shen Feng

I...don't know. I have not paid any attention to his dealing with his underlings. They are his concern. Your confidence is impressive, I must admit. Anshui nodded at the man, standing her ground. Her eyes did widen a little, as the man noted his relation to Xiang Yu. Anshui had heard of the name, and indeed, been rather furious when the villagers she had been speaking to believed even she could be easily be vanquished by this paragon. Still, later on, when Nare had calmed her down, she had eventually agreed with that conclusion, this being the fabled Land of War, in their legends. Still, Anshui was certain that if she worked to grow her combat talents, she could eventually rise to such a level herself.

I shall not hold back as well...You have given me much to think upon, but I cannot afford to let this challenge to my skill go unanswered. No one, except perhaps this Xiang Yu you speak of, has the right to speak of my defeat so casually. I do have a vision for my people, yet I do respect this Empire you speak off. Still...I will prove that this is a mistake, if I must. This land is at peace, and my people seek to settle a part of it. There is no need for this battle, and so I will fight against you, if you persevere in it. But I promise...I would give you kind treatment as my prisoners as well...Especially if you teach me how to better ride this beast.

With that, the stunning barbarian shouldered her blade, face brimming with determination and confidence, and stared at the men, watching to see them leave for their armies.

Bonaparte

No, nothing at the moment. Though, if you hear of any interesting news about the world north of the great river, I would be grateful if you pass it along to me. Anshui nods, and heads back to rejoin the training circle, as the guard ushered

Though he hid it somewhat well, Jian was relieved to see that his words had not offended her. After seeing Feng's worried expression Jian couldn't help but to shrug then smile. As talk of departing aired a small frown flashed across his face, but was quickly replaced again by a smile. He then bowed to Anshui. "Well I truly hope our paths cross again my lady and, who knows, perhaps, once I have weapons as well made as yours, we will be able to test our skills against one another," he said, finishing off his words with a playful wink.

With that said he then looked to Feng and nodded before saying, "we should be going. I know we have much to prepare for."

A smirk broke out on Anshui's face, amused by the wink. Well, she would have to look forward to that challenge then. For now, she had to get used to that lousy beast. Turning on her heel, the loincloth clad barbarian stalked off back to her task...

With Luo Jian and his escort in tow, Shen Feng headed back to his encampment, following the same path he'd taken there away from the main roads. Hopefully he would be able to speak to Anshui on better terms once Deng Yue was defeated...

The night fell like any other after the army of Shen Feng had arrived in Linjiang, but this time after resting for most of the day, there was a bustle of activity at night. Under the cover of darkness, the camp was quickly uprooted, the soldiers packing up and heading off along the paths the scouts had identified earlier. Having served their purpose with their stop in Linjiang province, and misdirected Deng Yue's forces appropriately, they were now marching on their true target.

When day broke, the army was gone, the only signs it had even been there being the trampled grass underfoot and the pits dug for cooking fires.

Danyang

After a week's ride from Han, the veteran Yue Dingtian arrived in Danyang, which had recently come under Liu Bang's rule. Heading straight for the headquarters of the government there, he presented himself to the soldiers on guard, his voice gravelly but firm.

"My name is Yue Dingtian, a retired soldier living in Han. Though uninvited, I would like to ask for an audience with Supreme Commander Han Xin, to discuss possible service under the King of Qin."

JG Chan wrote:Danyang

After a week's ride from Han, the veteran Yue Dingtian arrived in Danyang, which had recently come under Liu Bang's rule. Heading straight for the headquarters of the government there, he presented himself to the soldiers on guard, his voice gravelly but firm.

"My name is Yue Dingtian, a retired soldier living in Han. Though uninvited, I would like to ask for an audience with Supreme Commander Han Xin, to discuss possible service under the King of Qin."

The guards escort Yue to a plain tent where an attendant offers him a bowl of wine and a cushion to sit on. The two guards who had escorted him remain outside the tent as he waits. After about an hour, a man dressed in lacquered armor steps into the tent accompanied by two tough-looking guards, who look with hostility at the visitor. The man looks impassively at Yue Dingtian, but makes no move to take a seat himself. "I am Han Xin. State your piece. I find it odd you would call King Liu Bang the King of Qin. There is no King of Qin."

Kymvir Raemiz

Following the guards, Yue enters the tent and sits, waiting with the patience that came with age. When Han Xin arrived, he stood upright, and bowed to the commander.

"Supreme Commander Han," he greeted with a steady, respectful tone. "It was my thought that King Liu Bang retains the rightful claim to the lands of Qin since his pacification of the region last year. If that is no longer his wish, then I beg pardon for my mistake."

"I had heard much of King Liu's merciful conduct in the campaigns against Qin, and as a citizen of Han as well, I had decided to see whether my experience would be desired in his service. As you can see, though, I am a simple soldier, and unused to the courts of kings; thus I came here to find the Supreme Commander instead, hoping that a military man will more clearly judge my worth."

Han Xin stared impassively at Yue Dingtian, then removed his sword from his belt and sank onto a cushion across from where Yue had been sitting, placing the weapon beside him. He gestured to the seat across from him. He snapped his fingers once, and a military attendant entered the room, carrying a low table, and placing it between the two men. Then two other men entered the room and began serving a simple meal of rice and fish.

Han Xin ate quietly for a moment, finishing a bowl of rice, and then he set it down and frowned at Yue. "We have many soldiers in this army. An officer corps of many able men. If I am to take you into any position of authority, you must tell me why exactly you deserve a position among them. Do you have connections in Han? In Qin? In Linjiang? Have you fought in any battles? How many men have you commanded?"

((If you have a backstory, feel free to use it here.))