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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 2, 2008 13:12:37 GMT -5
((O.O.C. I'll be the leader. It's not a big deal.))
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 22, 2008 15:12:20 GMT -5
the doors to the audience hall opened, and through them walked the man who belonged on the throne. His shoulders were thrown back, and his posture was perfect. As he walked forward, he was greeted with stares, and whispers. The steward, who sat atop the throne in Zhou Tai's absense, looked at a loss for words. "L-Lord... Sun Jian...?" he said as he looked at the servants around him. They, too, looked bewildered, and just shrugged. "W...We all thought you were-"
"Well, obviously, you thought wrong. Now, why is there not a general on my throne during my absense?"
"Well, Zhou Tai has taken control of the land during your leave. But currently he's-"
"Fighting with Ma Chao?" he asked as he motioned for the man to move from the throne. the steward literally fell off of it to get out of Sun Jian's way.
"Y-yes, Lord Sun Jian."
Sun Jian spoke as he sat down on the throne after setting his spear to the throne's right, and the sword to the left. "I commend him for his actions. what of my children? Sun Shang Xiang? Sun Ce?"
"Uh... well, Sun Shang Xiang has left for Wei, and sun Ce is-"
"...What?"
"Sun Shang Xiang has left for Wei-"
"Is this how my children treat me? I leave, and they dishonor my nation?" he said as he put his his face on his palm, inacting the very fist FacePalm. "Has Zhou Tai attempted to bring her back?"
"She refused, sir."
Sun Jian sighed. "and I assume tat Sun Ce is just missing then."
"Yes, sir."
Sun Jian took a deep breath, and exhaled it deeply. "Send a scout to Zhou Tai. Inform him of my return."
the steward bowed, and sprinted out of the Audience hall.
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Post by Sun Bofu on Aug 23, 2008 16:18:48 GMT -5
He should have ripped the face off Cao Cao right then and there, yet something about his sister being there stopped him. She had acted just like she used to - smart, energetic and with that aura of Sun Family power. It was for those reasons Bofu did not disown his sister, for she stayed true to herself, she was an individual, always had been, and she remained as such, Ce would hold no grudges for that.
The young Prince of Wu had other things to think about as soon as he heard the whispers and rumours circulating the city. Apparently his father was back, an interesting turn of events. Perhaps it was Ce's turn to produce whispers from the commonfolk with his own return? Or perhaps he would manage to stop his self, perhaps he would realise it was better to sort his head out before he actually attempted to rejoin the ranks and return to a normal way of life.
"L-lord Sun Ce!?" A shocked guard explaimed in disbelief at what his eyes saw before them. "Of course! P-please go on right ahead!" The guard quickly waved the Little Conqueror inside the palace without asking for his weapons or anything of the kind, he was after all far above the guard in stature and rank, and the soldier held no authority over him.
Bofu moved quickly into the audience hall, his clothes that of an ordinary general, nothing too elegant, nothing too noble. He would mingle well as he moved into the background of officers, generals and fortunate soldiers who wished to see for their own eyes their leader's return. He kept out of immediate sight, until he knew for sure his father had returned.
As soon as he spotted the man and a smile formed on his face, the young general of Wu pushed past several officers to come to the front and took the floor. "So, you've finally shown up, Father." Ce sounded like usual informal and charasmatic self and promptly bowed to show his respect. Surely this new event of Sun Ce appearing would set alarm bells of joy ringing throughout the country.
"I apologise for my own absence, but events transpired, even I could not prevent." Waht those events were only Bofu knew. "Yet I am here now, fresh from a visit with my dear sister."
Suddenly from joy and smiles all around, the room turned to a soar mood. They knew of their Lord's disapproval of Lady Xiang's change of allegience, and the fact Ce had been there before Wu would prompt many questions, most of all, whos side was he on? Then again Ce wasn't phased by much, he revelled in these situations, he loved surprising people, his father would know that better than anyone, that his son was of strong mind and spirit and would do some... unorthodox things.
"What? Do you really wish to turn your back on your own blood and spirit?" He asked as he looked around at the shocked expressions. "Sun Shang Xiang is and always will be apart of Wu."
Perhaps a bad choice of words? Acting like he was the man of authority in the halls was perhaps not the smartest move with a newly arrived Sun Jian. Ce could see himself being labelled a traitor soon, but without any other backup from his family Ce found it his duty in his heart to defend his sister's reputation and heritage in Wu.
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 23, 2008 20:56:31 GMT -5
**These events transpire before he leaves to speak with Long Wong of Hui Ji.**
Sun Jian looked at his son with an expression of interest, not distaste.
"My son... if you can bring her back, then by all means, let her be a part of Wu. However, if she EVER shows her face her without the intent of stayinf perminantly, she will be arrested and tried for being a traitor. This is my word, and it is final. Please, son... try and understand this situation. She LEFT my land. OUR land. She deserted Wu for Mengde..."
He said as he rested his elbows in his throne, and his head on his knuckles. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and spoke once more. "My son, I must ask you... does your faith still lie with Wu?... With me?"
He opened his eyes, and looked right into those of his son.
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Post by Sun Bofu on Aug 25, 2008 18:23:00 GMT -5
// Only short because I'm helping Mikey with his site and I want to get this post in.
Who was his father kidding? He says this at a time he disappeared, he had no moral highground in this argument, the ruler of Wu was as wrong as the daughter he made and Bofu found himself audibly laugh, with a tone of humour and minor disgust. "Says the man who left his country without any notice." He quickly composed his self, sighing. "I will not argue with you father. You know my heart will forever be with Wu, you do not have to question my aliegience..."
Sun Ce was always outspoken, even as a youngster he would question his father. It often led to Ce storming off, of when he was really young, crying. It was no different here as he showed his father the hypocrocy that was accumulating in these halls over his sister's whereabouts.
"I'm going to take Wu to new heights. I am a changed man father, a lot has happened. I will you make you proud and I promise you I will return Xiang to Wu, but for that to happen I need to have a foundation here, a willingness from us all to have her back." Bofu took a step back. "I am riding out to reclaim our territory, all who wish to assist are welcome with my father's permission."
He turned on his heel and paced out of the halls, ready to fight for Wu
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 26, 2008 18:05:59 GMT -5
Sun Jian smiled at his son. "Touchee, Sun Ce. Now go... make Wu proud. However, I must ask that you do as little damage to the city as possible. A destroyed city is of no use to a country."
With that, he gae his son permission to leave, and went back to thinking about his countries issues.
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Post by Mr Wu Sheng on Aug 27, 2008 18:12:17 GMT -5
Entrance to the Palace
Let me show you a magic trick....
Wu Tian had been given admittance within the palace, taking a slow stroll through the city, where his eyes eventually fell upon the imperial palace where golden tapestries and flags flickered high above the buildings foundations. They resembled that of the Wu crest – encrypted upon black and red flags and held up for display, where passing civilians would gaze in faith at what it represented. For to a soldier – a flag was but a necessity of war, something to say (look – I fight for Wu and I’m going to kill you) but to the civilians, to those that the soldiers swore to protect. It was much – much more. It was like a symbol from the heavens, hushing them at night so that they could sleep, offering them protection from bandits, and keeping their stomachs worn and filled during the winter periods. Civilians relied on these banners and what they represented, and – feeling like an outsider, Wu Sheng Tian enjoyed the moment where for the first time in his life, he would see a flag differently. Where it would shine honours, yet not wars – where only life sprang from its wooden pole, where as in battle only death surrounded it. He saw it with a light, a light that he wouldn’t forget anytime soon. Was this the correct kingdom to join? That he still didn’t know – but this sign of acceptance was certainly the turning point he needed to be happy with the results, whatever they may have been. The palace was as splendid and as nicely decorated as any palace in the north – for great ornaments aligned the palaces corridors, keeping the guards tall and well disciplined. In fact it was everything he had expected from the renown Wu Kingdom – and when he stepped foot in the throne room itself, it was to no surprise that the figure standing upon the golden rimmed throne didn’t shine as brightly as the flags that he protected and ruled. “My Lord Sun Jian.” He began the conversation as any other general would have, with his rist fist clenched, passing his view and thudding violently into his bare chest – sending echoes throughout the room. His face however remained blank, emotionless – like a trained warrior. “I have come in hopes of service. Word has spread that you are looking for capable generals – and I dare say that I fit the description to a T.” He paused momentarily – allowing his new saying of (down to a T) settle with the other, pleased with the response he got, which seemed like utter confusion – he continued. “My name is Wu Sheng Tian, I have come from the battle against Ma Chao, having faced death in the face for many hours – yet it seems the heavens have blessed me this far, for still I stand, strong and able. If you would be so kind as to permit my entrance, I will fight for the sake of Wu, and I will be sure not to let anyone get in the way of the ideals Wu will bring these people. I see civilian’s looks towards Wu for hope, for guidance – so let me be your sword and their shield. To help relieve whatever burden I can carry before my time is up. That - my lord, is all I ask.”
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 27, 2008 18:34:42 GMT -5
Sun Jian leaned back into his throne as Wu Sheng Tian explained himself to the Tiger of Wu. This man seemed... strong, confident. Trained. His face was emotionless, and yet... his speech seemed to have the emotion in it that his face lacked. Sun Jian scratched his stubble and looked at Wu Sheng Tian. then, he leaned forward, and rested his chin on his hands. He squinted slightly at this man. However, before he started to speak, a guard next to him whispered something in his ear.
As the guard continued to speak, Sun Jian's eeys started to widen slightly. Then, he leaned back once more. "Wu Sheng Tian... my guard has informed me that you were present in the battle of Qing Ni Pass. He also imforms me that you were the one who held the right flank alone against the Golden Horde... as well as the Qiang king and his champion. And not only did you hold the flank against outstanding odds... you also saved Sun Liao from... did you say certain doom?" he said, looking to his guard. the guard blushed, and nodded yes.
"4000 troops against your 400... and still you held strong. Not only does it speak much of your troops, it speaks greatly for your skills as a leader. But to top it all off... you routed almsot all of the 4,000 troops, and lost a minimal amount of your own. To that, I must applaude you." he said, as he gave Wu Sheng Tian a brief applause while he sat on his throne.
"And now, Wu Sheng Tian wishes to join the ranks of Wu and change from a wolf to a tiger. And to that, I say yes. You, my friend, are now a tiger."
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Post by Mr Wu Sheng on Aug 27, 2008 20:59:21 GMT -5
No more correct formats...God it SUCKS Yes, it does, doesn’t it. THATS WHAT YOU THOUGHT FAG - BUT I FOUND A WAY.
Wu Tian bowed to the praise, keeping his chin tucked beneath the fold of his neck. This – as was all forms of a bow – a customary act that represented respect, something that Lord Sun Jian was commendable of on this fine day. It had taken him one week to get here, and he was surprised just how quickly word had spread of his exploits, if not slightly exaggerated of course – it served as yet another reminder that the choice he had made was a valid one, and he was happy with its ending results. “You honour me.” He had said, keeping his fist clenched as he rose, “Yet the wolf does not evolve into the tiger, it is a different creature altogether – as are we as warriors. If you are a tiger then you are a broad, powerful beast – one with a short temper and a powerful jaw. Me, I am but a stalker of the night, a pack leader, a warrior among creatures and humans.” He turned upon the others as he had finished, noticing their curiosity from the choice of words he had used. Good – he had thought, quite happily. Men fight and die every day, so let me shine among them so they’ll remember me when I die. There was a thoughtful meaning behind his ideals – yet kept them silent from the spectators around him. “I shall take my leave for now, my Lord Sun Jian – but in time I will need soldiers, if you would be so kind as to permit me some, I will be sure to bring victory within your grasp.” He bowed again, his eyes fixed on the floor for sometime before sending them back to his master. Was he content here? Probably, he wasn’t entirely sure; but it would be difficult to tame such a wild beast as Wu Sheng Tian. But silently – and somewhat enthusiastically - he prayed that Lord Sun Jian would do it – for his own sake, if not for anything else.
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Post by Meng Xiang on Aug 27, 2008 23:08:51 GMT -5
China has no bounds, for the Xiongnu.
" Why quit now? China is in your grasp sir...! "
Said Meng Lein, His head General. It seemed as if the Xiongnu were spreading their reputation throughout China, and they couldn't be stopped. Meng Lein had recently tested the forces of Yuan Shao, and it seemed they were soft. Bah, Xiang didn't care. Reports from the infantrymen stated that quite a few soldiers were lost of both sides, yet the Chinese-native Infantry held thier grounds against the Battle-line of Shao forces. They even slaughtered a few of their Elites. Where were they now? Jian Ye, City on the Eastern Coast and Capital of Wu. Meng Xiang had been allowed entrance into the city, Yet accompanied by Five guards. His armies were left outside, Thousands of men of the Xiongnu hordes. The comment Meng Lein said echoed through his head, was it true? " Go back to the men, I shall see this man alone. " Xiang stated to his uncle, and with a bow he left Xiang's sight and was escorted back to the gates. The palace of Jian Ye was like none of the foreign lands of the Xiongnu. Where he grew up, the palace was mostly wooden, and didn't have as many tapestries and banners that Jian Ye had. It was something new to him, but he really did not see the need for having all those fancy designs. He quickly paced himself through the decorated halls, pushing through the doors to the Throne-room he gave a customary bow to the men within the room, blurting out,
" I am Meng Xiang of the Xiongnu. I have come to speak to the Lord of Wu, about employment into your ranks. "
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Post by Huli on Aug 27, 2008 23:38:12 GMT -5
"The Fox has enter into the Den."
After being admitted into the city, Huli took his sweet time examining the whole place. He looked towards his left, to find marketplaces. He looked towards his right, only to find more marketplaces. He noticed something in the marketplaces though, that fish were plentiful. The fish market must be blooming in Wu territory because of the location. He quickly made a small trip towards a fish stand.
"I like to buy your freshest fish."
Shop owner: "Ah! Welcome! Freshest fish you say? Well we have this freshly caught Chinese bahaba. It'll cost you 3 gold."
"Alright...I'll take it."
Shop owner: "Thank you for your business."
As Huli took the fish into his hands, he took a bite out of the fish. The shop owner was alarmed by this. It was very strange to see a person eating the fish he caught raw. He just shook his head and attended back to his business. Huli, putting away the rest of the fish left the marketplace and head towards the huge palace. He examined the palace and thought to himself how the ruler had quite power and wealth to display. Usually how a king or ruler displays his power was by showing his military. How he showed his wealth, was by having this built for him, his palace being one of them. With the large population here, he knew that the ruler must be doing something right to have a city growing. Still, Huli did not care for politics or honor and such. The only thing he cared for was the battlefield. The battlefield was his hunting ground and his way of feeling "alive". He did not care if he was remembered or not. All he wanted to do was kill. He was just a soldier. He has no past, no real name, just the mindset of getting a job done and slaughtering enemies in the process. The empty void of carnage went forward towards the palace and entered. As expected almost everything was decorated with gold and red. Rich indeed. He looked upon the figure up ahead to see a man and another man conversing with each other. The one who bowed down to the other, Huli assumed that the other must be the ruler. He then silently went forward showing himself. He then spoke in his chilly voice.
"You must be the ruler of Wu, Sun Jian. I came here to offer myself to you as a soldier. I care not what position I am given, just as along as I can fight. I am a soldier and nothing more.
Huli then took the liberty to make a small bow and examined Sun Jian. The King of the Jungle, the Tiger indeed had a strong face. One of leadership and power. A strong vibe surrounded him which Huli could feel. He then looked upon the other person and looked at his facial features. A wolf. He had those eyes of a wolf. Nevertheless, he was a hunter indeed. He was a lot similar to Huli, except something was different that separated him and Huli. Huli somehow knew that the Wolf was just not a killer like him. He was a lone wolf, but he had the potential to be the alpha wolf. The Wolf is a vicious hunter yet it still knew how to take care of it's own. The fox was a solitary being separating when the time of adulthood. Both the Wolf and Fox were in the same class family of Canidae, however they are separated into two "clans". True "dogs" and True "foxes". This would be an interesting event to see the Fox and Wolf in the same living area. Huli then stood quietly as he awaited for Sun Jian to respond to him.
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Post by Mr Nor on Aug 29, 2008 15:41:15 GMT -5
Sun Jian looked at both of the men, who had entered shortly after one another. He motioned for them both to come forward. First, he examined the one named Meng Xiang. His face was soft, but his facial expression was slightly stern... although he was young, it was obvious he had seen his fair share of field time. He had heard something of the Xiongnu. His scouts had told him that they had faired fairly well against the army of Shao; a good sign. This meant he wasn't some lone warrior... he was a experienced leader.
Next, he turned to the one without a name. However, this man could go nameless for all Sun Jian cared; his looks said it all. His body was hardened, and what Sun Jian could see of his eyes... they were the eys of a killer. They were icy, anything but soft, and... knowledgable.
...In the ways of cutting someones head off, at least.
"...Well. Both of you look anything but novice. You, Meng, are the leader of the Xiongnu Horde, and it honors me that someone like you would wish to join the ranks of Wu. And you, Master No-Name... you wish to kill. Well, well, well... It seems I have quality in the halls of Wu today." he said, referring to the three Officers he had met today.
He scratched his stubble softly, and spoke again. "Well, I have come to a decision. Meng Xiang, No-Name... I believe both of you would make fine additions to Wu. If you would all like, I can have you and your fellow officers housed here, in the palace. Your troops may relocate to the barracks if they wish. Shortly, some of you may be sent on duty right away. However, for now, you are free to relax and enjoy the city of Jian Ye."
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Post by Mr Wu Sheng on Aug 30, 2008 8:41:35 GMT -5
Making the Decision Wu Sheng Tian had listened intently to the declarations being made, and was pleased when he had been accepted, not only that – but he was also to receive confirmation that he was to be received with a new title. The title, like all magistrate classes (which some people just didn’t approve of) was one of higher status, Prime Minister – in fact - making him ruler, or rather supreme councillor over military affairs. But with this title also came greater responsibilities, responsibilities that he actually didn’t want at this moment of time (Since when did anyone want to give up that element known as freedom to work continuously behind some bloody desk). He was a new recruit, that much was true and and he couldn’t help but feel as if this new title would hinder the trust set between Prime Minister and officer (Since – realistically speaking, he hadn’t even met half of Wu’s generals). Still – he was fully aware that it was like any other trial, make a mistake and you lose – (only difference here was a mistake he made would most likely cost him his life). Still - he brushed aside the thoughts, he had plenty of time to deal with any worries he had later on – or so he had assumed, and turned to bow to his ruler, taking up a seat towards the front, a seat designed for a Prime Minister, he gazed wearily out, noticing the man known as Huli (how he knew his name - that he didn’t know) standing by. “Huli.” His words flickered out pointlessly, although he wasn’t sure if the name he had said was accurate in pronunciation, so he turned back to his ruler, “The tidings are clear my liege, and I cannot help but feel, whilst Sun Ce is busy at Xia Pi, maybe you should send some men to deal with Jian’An – I hear the people there are becoming restless, and it will help unite our territory, so that in the future we may look upon the region of Jiang Dong, as discussed.” He paused to turn to Huli, a beastly sight if anything – but then he was not so different, he had a clean beard, tidy yet foreign to the standards of Chinese culture, his clothing was also nearly barbaric – and the pale, yet golden complexion hinted that he had spent more than a few years to the far west, maybe in Mongolia. “With your permission, maybe I can ride with.” He paused again to gaze down at the Fox, “The hunter, they say to hunt in packs is better than to hunt alone – and as I’m sure you will agree.” He stared solely at Huli now, knowing that this statement was directed at him, “Although the Wolf and the Fox fight, they both depend on the natural instincts of their packs, we are very different – yet we both share similar views and ideals. You are a killer, where I’m a pack leader, yet we both are here for one reason, and that reason is to kill our enemies, as a fox hunts its prey and a wolf stalking its food. We are hunters, and in times of chaos there isn’t anything better to do but to hunt.” He smiled casually, and then turned back to Sun Jian, “As great as an empire you have, I think it would be wise to send me and this, Fox to Jian’An – if diplomacy won’t work, which I highly doubt it would, then we will storm the place with brute force, of course – with your permission, sire.” He sat back in his chair, maybe he’d get to fight, he thought – or maybe he wouldn’t. Only time would tell.
OOC : Sorry I skipped some other formalities, but we all know each other’s ranks now, and rather than delay what is important I thought I’d get into my role asap, as advisor
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Post by Huli on Aug 30, 2008 9:35:38 GMT -5
"The Fox begins it's Hunt."
After hearing the confirmation of his acceptance, Huli kept quiet for a short amount of time. He paused to breath in and out slowly. Now as he became a new officer to the kingdom of Wu, he would have to "carry on the banners of Wu to war". He wouldn't necessarily carry on those banners but it was more like he had the title of Wu to carry on to war along with every single soldier in Wu. He was no different from them. He would have to kill in the name of Wu's glory. This did not phase him nor anything as he was made into a weapon; a soldier. He wondered if he could finally find more a reason to kill, other than just to kill for blood. He wasn't too focus on that though, because once he became a killer, he knew he was a killer for life. He would have to live and die as a killer. No honor, no respect, no compassion, just a weapon of high powers...ready to be discarded at will once deemed useless.
Huli awoke from his small void world of thoughts as he heard the Wolf spoke to him. He also heard that the Wolf had been given title of Prime Minister in so little time. The Wolf would have to lead on if the great Lord Tiger could not lead for the moment. The Wolf would have to assume the alpha leader position. The Fox knew that the Wolf could lead. The Fox was more of a lonely hunter but he was ready to take orders from the Wolf. The Fox had no honor or pride. If it meant he would get to see blood been spilled onto the battlefield, he would have no objections at all. He was not a Fox of politics. He was just a Fox in the wild, only know one thing; how to kill the prey. The Fox listened in for what the Wolf had to say.
Seizing the lands of Jian An? The Fox felt a small tingle of blood with that phrase. He then turned towards the Wolf and spoke directly at him.
"The Fox is a crafty hunter and will use any means to have it's prey killed whether it means hunt alone or have help. You seem to know what to do Master Wolf. I am ready to go along on your "hunt". Explain the objects with the details, give out orders, and I shall comply to finish them one way or the other."
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Post by Mr Wu Sheng on Aug 30, 2008 10:05:11 GMT -5
A new Age
Wu Sheng Tian could do no more but to think, was it true? Did a fox really bare no compassion? He had begged to differ, even the most ruthless creatures paid honours to the food they caught, or to the animals they killed, and in his years of experience the fox was no different. It was true that the fox was a ruthless creature, a predator that relied on its most untainted of instincts to survive, yet the fox wasn’t a true marauder, it hunted as much as it – was in turn hunted. Making it formidable in combat, it would strive to beat its enemies and to hunt its food. Wu Sheng bowed to the Fox. “Your words are plain, yet accurate.” He had said, showing a smile. He hadn’t ever born an expression, even his smile seemed fake, as if there was no emotion within the cold face that he wore. He had even once been questioned, by authorities and civilians as to why he had accepted the proposition as Prime Minister – for he looked far to, tyrannical to be fitting for the job, and as intelligent as he may have been – he was a far more superior tracker and hunter. He thrived for combat, for death – unlike soldiers, he didn’t need a reason to fight. To him fighting was the only logical way to test yourself and your enemies – for without it men would become civilised, wrapped around in ambition and dominance over areas, when in truth, (or so he believed anyways) men were designed only to hunt, and kill. “You are a dark warrior.” He had continued, now standing up – showing his height to be at least 6 feet, towering above most of the others in the room, “But are you as cold as your face portrays?” He had moved down the steps, standing now right in front of this ... Fox. “Are you the fox that gets injured and walks to the trees for a quiet place to die, or are you the fox that challenges even the strongest of wounds, and refuses to give up.” He smiled as he turned back to Sun Jian – so far his master had kept quiet, no doubt observing the passing of tides, “I think this is what we will need to establish the empire My Liege, I have a strong sense – and my senses tell me that we will be victorious, we may even gain something out of this, task.” He turned to Huli – maybe he wouldn’t ever be a friend, as hunters didn’t depend on such weaknesses, but hopefully – through the struggles of war, they’d learn to accept and follow each other’s instincts, to help out where maybe orders weren’t given - to use their natural abilities for the good of the empire. “Unless Sun Jian has anything else to add, I will prepare the necessary equipment needed for this war.” He turned to Sun Jian, now awaiting his master’s final decision – he could help out whenever he could, but whilst Sun Jian was here, he wasn’t permitted to have any final say.
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