Warlords: Three Kingdoms

Xiang Jun took the Tiger's hands, accepted the setback and extended his congratulations. This defeat, he reckons, is more a consequence of his questionable endurance than a poor set of dueling skills. The Swordbearer smiled and glanced at the nicked shoulder of his opponent, trying to shift Lu Tang's attention to what the boy had accomplished during this bout.

"I barely scratched you, Tiger of Julu," Jun said. "General Ji Bu is fortunate to have someone like you beside him when you take Yangcheng."

T'ang nodded slowly, wincing a bit at his shoulder. Rolling it a little, he'd swear under his breath, murmuring a few choice oaths. "Good shot, kid .. "He'd say with a laugh. "Your skills are admirable. I am certain both of us came away with a valuable lesson today. Next time we cross blades, it will be more interesting, I wager!" This boy seemed a trifle familiar. Did he see him in Xiang Yu's court? Maybe. With a brief shrug of his shoulders, to avoid any lingering side affects of the blow, he'd nod. "It'll be a pleasure to go into battle with you, kid! Bwah hah hah!"

Xiang Jun nodded. Inwardly, the boy wondered if things would have been different if he retained the prized heirlooms for the bout. Maybe, maybe not.

"I'm afraid I'm more of a solo act than I am a man fit for the command of an army," Jun answered, shaking his head. "I had volunteered to go to Yangcheng simply because it is my native city. It'll be a homecoming of sorts, Master Lu, General Ji. Sadly, today is not my day."

"Hmm. Baocen Peng , you say." Kai asked, racking his brain for information on the man. "Yes. I've heard good things of him, he'll serve you well in the field. Undoubtedly better than I could." Giving a respectful small bow to Ji Bu, Kai excsued himself, "I'm sureyou have much to do general. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing of your campaign."

When Ji Bu had his say, Kai made his way back to from whence he came.

T'ang nodded slowly. He understood the boys drive. "I hear ya, kid. Today sadly is not the day. You can always come after the battle, and revel in the Empire's victory. I will be there, awaiting your arrival! We can drink, and think back to good times. I'm certain you've had some of those." He'd say with a chuckle.

"Again, it was a grand melee'! We shall have to do it again, sometime."

Cao Chao wrote: "We march when March begins . . ." replied Ji Bu with a grin, "But your participation is not yet guaranteed . . ."

Ma Su nodded. It was Ji Bu's decision after all. Hopefully Su would be picked, but when push came to shove he did not have the biggest physique nor the big military connections. "Well, I hope that I am chosen. Regardless, may our battle at Yangcheng b swift and glorious." He saluted briefly and milled around the camp, talking with some of the sergeants around, waiting for word on who would be chosen, if not himself, for one of the spots.

Trendy

Ma Su listened with interest as Jian described his family. He smiled as he heard about his brother, and wondered if maybe he had passed by him without even knowing it during these past months. His face turned sullen as he heard about Jian's father and mother. Neither city names brought back especially "fun" memories for Su.

"That's too bad. I was at Julu too, a shame he had to die over that place." He paused briefly, wanting to take another bite but thinking it not appropriate for the time. "And Dingtao is where I am headed, for a diplomatic mission. I've heard they have pretty tight security there..." He paused, and slowly drank a little wine. Trying to cheer him up, he said "Well, you don't have it as bad as me, my mother died in childbirth and my father died on campaign when I was 5. I brought myself up essentially." He smiled, despite the morbid dialogue.

"So, where do you want to be in 5 years? A great general, a city administrator, a wealthy noble?" He suspected the first, but it would be interesting to see what Jian said.

Jin Shi

Jian tilted his head to one side, a bit confused by the somber tone which had befallen the conversation. "Ahhh, don't worry, I'm proud of how my father died. That's how all warriors want to go, isn't it?" He shook his head at hearing of Ma Su loosing his parents at such a young age, but it impressed him that Su was able to pretty much raise himself. He raised his bowl of wine in a toast to his and Su's departed parents and said, "may they never be forgotten!"

When the question of his goals was approached, Jian smiled coyly then nodded. "Aye, a general of course, I want to be as great as Qing Bu," he admitted with an air of pride. "I don't have any real urge to be a king or anything like that, but to be a commander with a reputation for success and the respect of his men would be a dream come true." After taking another bite of his meal he looked at Su and asked, "what about you? I can only assume that greatness is in your grand plan as well."

Phailak wrote:Lai arrived on the outskirts of Chu, his new steed a beauty in the wind, a gift from Po Huai. Though he was here on official business with his brother Dieu, he had a stop to make first to an old friend. He wondered if Rui would be surprised to see him.

He brushed down his horse, knowing Rui would not make him wait long.

OOC: Closed RP for Li Dao Wen

Usually when a stranger meets the Twilight General of Chu, it is either because he is on a deliberate raid or simply because the person has the worst luck in the world. Even fewer would meet such a dangerous criminal on purpose; known to be a mighty warrior, he is also an assassin and a mercenary for hire who considers little and few to be worthy of living before his blade.

One of the few exceptions was Fei Lai, a charismatic young scholar he had met several years prior. What little Rui learned about academics and tactics, he learned from Lai, and since he was influential in molding his character from being a mere bandit to having at least a few sets of morals, Xun Jiang accords him the proper respect due a friend. Perhaps this is because Fei didn't exactly know what Xun Jiang did for a living; they had met during a time when Xun Jiang was only a raggedy beggar on the streets of Qi.

It was an auspicious day for both of them. Cold, vicious man that he is, he is no exception to being pleased to see an old friend.

"Fei Lai." He said in his usual droll voice as soon as they stood face to face. He towered over Lai in his armor and gait, but it wasn't one which was threatening.

Li Dao Wen wrote: Usually when a stranger meets the Twilight General of Chu, it is either because he is on a deliberate raid or simply because the person has the worst luck in the world. Even fewer would meet such a dangerous criminal on purpose; known to be a mighty warrior, he is also an assassin and a mercenary for hire who considers little and few to be worthy of living before his blade.

One of the few exceptions was Fei Lai, a charismatic young scholar he had met several years prior. What little Rui learned about academics and tactics, he learned from Lai, and since he was influential in molding his character from being a mere bandit to having at least a few sets of morals, Xun Jiang accords him the proper respect due a friend. Perhaps this is because Fei didn't exactly know what Xun Jiang did for a living; they had met during a time when Xun Jiang was only a raggedy beggar on the streets of Qi.

It was an auspicious day for both of them. Cold, vicious man that he is, he is no exception to being pleased to see an old friend.

"Fei Lai." He said in his usual droll voice as soon as they stood face to face. He towered over Lai in his armor and gait, but it wasn't one which was threatening.

Lai smiled. He had never been intimidated by Rui, but only because they had both respected each other's strengths and weaknesses. Lai had always had an appetite for the battlefield but his weak physique forced him to the rear while a man like Rui would be at the front.

"My friend, you grow more fierce with time, it is a good thing. There is trouble in Qi, I have come to see Ma Dieu, will you be free for a quick... mission within the next few months?"

The two had such a mutual understanding that time apart did not interrupt their compatibility, which included not wasting time.

Fei Lai's lack of intimidation served to give Xun Jiang a firm sense of comradeship with him. It was a valuable anchor which planted the roots of their connection firmly into the ground. The sense of respect that he had for Lai was something which could only be found in two other people: one is Nalan Yuchun, the other one is Ma DIeu.

The mention of Dieu sent a tingle down his spine; he had been another good acquaintance. In fact, the three of them could be considered as good-fitting pieces together. With him being the warrior, Lai being the strategist and Dieu as the general, they would be a fine founding trio for a new kingdom if not for his obligation to the Shadows. It is an organization that he'd never, ever leave.

"We have a commission in Hann. I'll go to Qi soon." It was a simple reply, straight to the point and proportionately business-like to the taste of both men. The thought of doing a commission for a friend is somewhat less exciting for him since he knew that the danger would be less substantial, but it was definitely something that he'd do without a qualm.

He was never the type to ask someone how they were, but he was not completely devoid of manners. He waited for Lai to say something along the lines, willing to conform if but for one small day in his life of killing and violence.