Fei Lak's Audience Hall - Shanggu

Marzy · Post by **Marzy** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 11:25 pm

"That won't be nec-" Gan Lu started, before...

"I never pass up a chance for good wine!" Kong interrupted with a smile.

Once again, Gan Lu sighed. "Well, I'll pass on wine. Do you have tea perchance?"

The two took up Fei Lak's offer to sit and partake in refreshment. Shing Kong seemed to greatly appreciate the offered wine. Gan Lu, however, was more... "sensible". He didn't seem quite as jovial or outgoing as Kong, but he was still rather well mannered. He sat well and carried himself with a sense of authority, even if the man he traveled with didn't seem to respect it.

"I'm sure you have some questions for us," he said, offering to defer to their host. "Please, go ahead."

Post by **Phailak** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:26 am

Lak shrugged.

"I know you are both talented in things military and considering my ambitions, I need men such as both of you. I have invested a lot of resources in keeping up with the military men of this land, so for me, it's a simple matter of convincing you both to join our cause. I would assume actually you might have questions for me perhaps?"

Marzy · Post by **Marzy** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:30 pm

Shing Kong put down his jug of wine. Much of it was already gone, but he wasn't quite inebriated yet.

"Who would I be fighting? If I joined you that is," he asked, getting to the heart of the matter.

Post by **Phailak** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 9:35 pm

Lak raised an eyebrow.

"Well, that's difficult to judge. We're not really at war with anyone specific right now, yet every month it seems we find ourselves in battles. Is there someone in particular you do not want to oppose? Or is rather someone you wish revenge upon?"

The Prefect called for more wine.

Marzy · Post by **Marzy** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 9:59 pm

"No, nothing like that," Kong replied, waving his hand as if to wave off the odor of such a notion. "Those such as myself cannot have such ambitions when looking for this kind of work. Though, it is troubling that you're not openly hostile with anyone and yet find yourself in battle all the time. If it isn't too much to ask, exactly what are your relations with your neighbors? I'm afraid I haven't kept up with the politics of the region..."

Post by **Phailak** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 10:37 pm

Lak nodded his understanding.

"I'm on good terms with Master Xiong in Changshan. I have had little contact with King Wu Chen, less even with Lu Ying in Jibei. Wei is a wild place right now and have some contacts there looking to establish themselves. We're also on good terms with Dai."

Lak scratched his head in thought.

"The battles come I believe because we tend to impose our will onto others, having a large army and a bunch of warlords tends to do that. I'm a very ambitious person Master Shing and very open about it too, which is not always well received. So far, those that have tried to resist our rule have met with utter failure, yet we continue to face stubborn men that rather die by the sword than submit peacefully. What can I do, I am not about to abandon our dreams because some fail to see we are destined for greatness."

Despite the boast in Fei Lak's words, his tone and demenour seemed to indicate he was simply stating facts. His eyes did betray a passion in them that his body language hid well though.

Marzy · Post by **Marzy** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:56 pm

"I see. Yes, I can see how you'd have problems with that sort of thing," Kong nodded in false understanding. Really, he didn't quite get it, but it wasn't especially his business. The motivations of others or the man before him really were not his concern until he accepted a rank from the Prefect. Well... if he did.

Gan Lu seemed indifferent to the passion the man subtly displayed.. Fei Lak really seemed to have a strong sense of self. It was important for a man of his rank to have such, but it wasn't certain if it was confidence or arrogance. Either way, it would serve him well. It didn't seem as though the man before them was reckless anyway.

Shing Kong offered the rest of his wine to his friend silently, who refused in kind. With a shrug, he finished the rest before continuing. "I hope you don't find me crass in asking, but I wonder. What rank would you offer a man of my stature?"

Post by **Phailak** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:16 am

Lak smiled at the direct approach.

"For you, I can offer rank of colonel. For Master Gan, I can find him a quiet town for him to administer since he seems quite the capable administrator, that might also hold a small rank, depending on where he is stationned. For now, you will both be in Yan while we organize our strength in Changshan. You will be paid 50 gold per month for your duties, access to our doctors, our smiths and crafters and such of course. You will have a say at our councils and of course will see some fighting. You might be called upon to duel some challengers that come to court and wish to test their strength, if you are up for that kind of thing. What say you?"

Lak waited for a response from both men as he sipped his wine, offering more to both men at the same time.

Marzy · Post by **Marzy** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 1:36 pm

Shing Kong set down his idle wine jug. The fact that he didn't take the offered wine yet was a testament to how serious he was now. "That seems just fine. Let me just say you are an impressive man, and it would be my honor to serve you if it is to be.

However, I promised others I would meet with them about employment as well. It would not be right to promise such and not deliver. If I don't return, please, allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for your offer and your hospitality."

Post by **Phailak** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 1:39 pm

Lak nodded and raised his cup.

"I understand completely, a man of your talents will have many offers to consider. I look forward to hearing from both of you, let us toast to our new friendship, whatever may occur in the future, you will always be welcome in Yan."