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Post by Mr Vash on Jun 18, 2008 17:59:19 GMT -5
Come here to speak with the ruler of the city. You must gain entrance through the city gates unless authorized by the ruler.
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Ma Chao
Sergeant
Pride of Xi Liang
"Operation Trample Your Face"
Posts: 92
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Post by Ma Chao on Jul 27, 2008 22:38:55 GMT -5
Ma Chao was sitting upon his throne, brushing off countless attendants and officials when the doors to the palace swung open. The guards looked anxiously inside as Yan Xing walked past and into the audience hall. His lord stood immediately when he noticed the look upon Xing's face.
"What news do you have, Xing?" the young leader exclaimed.
Yan Xing pulled out a scroll and handed it to Mengqi before moving to scatter everyone from the main hall. All the officials were ordered to leave and only the essential guards remained to protect their lord.
After the room was emply, Xing moved back toward Ma Chao to speak with him.
"I did not think that word would......"
The officer did not even get to finish his statement before Chao ripped apart the scroll into pieces and went into rage mode. Xing watched as his lord moved to pick up a large candlestick and tossed it against the walls, smashing expensive items as well as almost setting the palace ablaze.
"You and you, get that fire out!" Yan Xing yelled, pointing to the soldiers and then to the small fire.
Ma Chao was now over by the window, hunched over with his hands on the wall looking out into the city. Whatever was on the piece of parchment made him pissed to the tenth power.
"Get my steed!"
Yan Xing quickly moved to quell the chaos within his lord but was met with an evil stare. Should he tempt fate and disobey, it could be the end. Even friends had to know the limits of not only rank and status, but also that of madness.
"Right away, Lord Mengqi" he said, able to refer to Ma Chao in his style name. Any other would be cut down for thinking themselves worthy enough to be close to him.
Chao's blood was boiling and he clenched his fists tight until his fingernails were digging into his palm. After a few more minutes, he seemed to calm a bit and turned to exit the palace.
He stormed down the many stairs and waiting was his pure white steed. Mounting the glorious beast, he took a look back at Yan Xing who was halfway up the palace stairs and he nodded. Xing just shook his head and returned the gesture.
"Hya!"
Ma Chao's horse kicked up and neighed, signalling the rest of he cavalry elites that it was time to move out. Just in case the young leader had not calmed himself on the long journey, he had brought an envoy if necessary.
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Post by Ayden (Retired) on Jul 30, 2008 1:30:24 GMT -5
(Sorry if I made this post too early...Again, hilariously bored.)
The slow walk through the city was fairly damaging to the exhausted daughter of Shu. She was strong, in her prime and certainly not unfit, but the constant riding and long travels had taken it out of her. She was not accustomed to traveling, let alone being led through a city soon after as a clearly advertised guest. Standing out in the colours of her battle garments, people turned their heads and eyes towards the figure of Xing Cai. The men mostly stared as her body was nothing more than desirable, the women turned seeing the more logical side of her being a Shu warrior, a woman to that as well. The children didn't turn their heads, they continued their tantrums, or playful laughs. There was something harmonic about this place. Xi Liang was known for its welcoming hospitality, mostly due to the peace that Ma Teng and his almost brotherly friend Han Sui had inspired upon the North West.
She compared Ma Teng to Liu Bei. Liu Bei held a charisma that was unmatched, his words and even the silence of his actions could bring hundreds upon thousands to his cause. But Ma Teng, he had a charisma and something else that Liu Bei had not...strength. Ma Teng was independent, Liu Bei is misguided simply. Ma Teng's stubborn and disciplined nature caused so many victories and reduced so many hardships. What of his son? Ma Chao the Splendid. Many different sided rumours reached the ears of Xing Cai. The most common was that he was a warrior with no equal. He was praised as having greater spearmanship and horsemanship than even the mighty Lu Bu. However, another common rumour was of his tenacious nature and his undeniable anger. The death of Ma Teng was no quiet rumour among the Han loyalists. However, it was covered up. No one knows what to believe, Xing Cai found it hard to believe that Cao Cao was responsible for the murder of such a important figure. She sometimes publicly denied it when questioned about her opinions of Cao Cao. Cao Cao reminded Cai of her uncle, Guan Yu. Lacking the physical awesomeness that Yunchang possessed, Cao Cao had the traits of a born leader. He looked to be a man that upheld honour in the highest forms. Who was she though to compare these people?
The doors of the audience hall opened, and what struck Xing Cai was the sudden movements of guards and politicians. They seemed to almost jump, as if they were watching a thriller movie. Was the rumours of Ma Chao's anger true? The just warrior was supposedly not only a peaceful leader, but a warrior of revenge. His actions sometimes contradicted his beliefs Xing Cai had heard. Xing Cai turned to Yan Xing, the man who still surprised her. The resembling features to Gao Jin still made her feel uncomfortable in a way.
"Thank you for leading me through the city. Don't rush, I can wait. I am struggling to regain my energy. The road has exhausted me, and this city has almost suffocated me with its beauty."
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Ma Chao
Sergeant
Pride of Xi Liang
"Operation Trample Your Face"
Posts: 92
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Post by Ma Chao on Jul 30, 2008 20:32:31 GMT -5
Yan Xing had no idea why the young woman kept looking at him so strangely, but he was not all that concerned at the moment. There were other much more important issues, like the fact that Ma Chao had not returned from Qiang lands yet.
Xing wondered just what the young leader was up to and surely he did not make an attempt on the king's life. Well, at least that is what he was hoping for but it was wishful thinking at best. In fact, Mengqi did make an attempt on the Qiang King's life but purposely missed killing him with a spear toss from across the audience hall.
"You will find the people of Xi Liang to be most hospitable if you feel the need to wander. Though, i must warn you that being a member of Shu may cause some unwanted attention."
Yan Xing was speaking of how famous her current kingdom was as well as their leader, Liu Bei. The other thing though, was that many strong supporters of Ma Chao were growing increasingly anti-Han as that seemed to be his stand point. There were still many people that wished for the Han's revival and they were stout followers of the elder, Ma Teng. Still, they could not deny the protection that Ma Chao provided which let them live in peace.
"The guards have been informed that you are within the city, but do not go where you know you should not as they will have no choice but to apprehend you" he said, quite stern in tone, to make sure the young lady did not get herself into some trouble. Such a lovely, untouched most likely, beauty would be every soldier's dream to stumble across walking the streets alone.
It was not simply the soldiers of the Golden Horde that seemed so wicked, but in fact just men in general. Women had very little power in these times and other than that of their beauty, which could control even the most famed leaders as in the case of Diao Chan, they were at the mercy of men.
What Xing Cai had, over many other of her gender, was that she was a trained warrior with a most feared father. Should anyone find out that Zhang Fei was her direct family, they would not even consider harming of harassing the young girl.
Just as Yan Xing was about to show Xing Cai to the guest area, a messenger made haste through the hall doors and bowed low to Ma Chao's second in command before speaking.
"Master Xing, our lord has returned from his journey!"
The soldier was dismissed and Yan Xing smiled to Xing Cai who seemed to be very lucky. Not only had she just arrived in order to possibly meet Mengqi, but she may be allowed to join an upcoming banquet held for the ruler of Chang An.
"I must welcome my lord at the top of the stairs, to give updates on the kingdom, or he gets angry and sends messengers to hunt me down" he said jokingly, but in fact was quite serious.
Attendants were scurrying about, this way and that, fixing their attire and mumbling prayers under their breath hoping that Ma Chao was in a good mood. One could almost sense the leader getting closer as if the sun was following him around regardless of the day or night, clouds or clear sky. His presence radiated youth and power which could be felt when he drew near. He shined brightly, acting as a beacon for his people to follow!
As soon as Mengqi's dragon helmet could be seen rising above the remaining stairs, Yan Xing went into a bow and looked to his right making sure Xing Cai did the same. Both waited patiently as Ma Chao yelled at Fu Lan one more time, telling him to go do something useful for a change. The attendants rolled their eyes and knew they were in for a battle just to have the young lord take the time to go over important matters of the kingdom.
However, Ma Chao was not in a bad mood but rather a good one. He had accomplished what his cowardly envoy could not complete, though in Lan's defense he was simply a politician and not a dangerous warrior. Still, the deed was done and the slight smile on Mengqi's face told Xing what he needed to know.
"If you want something done, you have to do it yourself" Chao said, walking toward Yan Xing and Xing Cai. He reached under his chest armor and pulled forth a scroll before tossing it to his second in command.
Yan Xing read over the document and started to smirk.
"By your actions outside the palace, if i may be so bold to state, I can see that Fu Lan failed. Also, exactly how was it you accomplished such a task, my lord?"
Ma Chao laughed a bit, turning and looking at Xing Cai. He started to wonder just where this girl came from and why she was with Yan Xing in the first place. He would address that in a moment, but first he had to enjoy the past with his comrade.
"Let us just say i got right to the 'point' with my aggressive negotiating skills" the leader said, walking toward Xing Cai.
"And who exactly is this, Xing? She looks to be from Shu by her attire and i overheard peasants rambling on about one of Liu Bei's officers inside the city."
Attendants in the room took a deep breath, hoping that their lord would not act rash. Mengqi knew of Liu Bei and in his heart was jealous of his charisma, but not of his skills in war or his stance toward the Han. The Imperial Uncle would obviously support the Han and that made Ma Chao nauseous.
Right before either of the others could speak, a messenger was waved off to go on a journey. Word would be sent to Wei Yan that the time was at hand for a great festival in Xi Liang.
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Post by Ayden (Retired) on Jul 30, 2008 23:43:50 GMT -5
There was one message being sent through the eyes and the talk of the people, there were very mixed feelings about the Han in Xi Liang. Were they truly a treacherous empire? Why would Liu Bei support them with such passion and flare then? Did the people of Xi Liang detest the Han because they believed Ma Teng was betrayed by the corrupt empire? Xing Cai was only a young woman, she knew nothing of politics and diplomacy. She did know who to fight for, and what was justified in her eyes.
"Trust me, I have gotten used to the looks. I trust myself to be able to fend the sleazy hands off. Though, your people don't appear to be that kind."
Xing Cai smiled before something else caught her attention. The panic of Ma Chao's return. Apparently he had been on a expedition to the Qiang tribe. Cai knew nothing of this tribe, and wondered if they were in fact savage. With the panic of the ministers and the shuffling of the guards, Xing Cai began to grow nervous, was he truly that frightening?
She got her answer.
The sudden inclination to bow from Yan Xing came quickly, she suddenly dropped to her knee to see a golden warrior emerge from the steps. It was...brilliant. The light, the aura, the spear and just the fire of his presence literally overwhelmed the exhausted girl. Splendid was a underestimate in her opinion. Her eyes were almost commanded to look back at the floor, but they continued to rise and watch the somewhat rash actions of the lion of a leader. That is what he was, a pure proud lion in Xing Cai's eyes. Keeping her head low, her knees bent in a bow, she felt unnerved when Ma Chao walked closer, speaking to his comrade Yan Xing. When Xing Cai was then addressed, she suddenly felt the need to jump, but keeping her irrational behaviour intact, she slowly raised her head to meet the chest of Ma Chao, she wouldn't dare look in his eyes.
"Lord Chao, I am Xing Cai. Warrior of Shu and daughter of the mighty Zhang Fei. I came here out of my own, there was no political intention on my mind. I wanted to see the golden lands of Xi Liang." The pride in her voice was noticeable, she was not afraid to proclaim her identity.
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Ma Chao
Sergeant
Pride of Xi Liang
"Operation Trample Your Face"
Posts: 92
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Post by Ma Chao on Jul 31, 2008 0:26:05 GMT -5
Ma Chao looked the young female warrior over and was impressed with not only her beauty but also her courage. She stood in front of one of the more powerful warlords throughout China and when Yan Xing was asked who she was, Xing Cai spoke up herself. It was not a nervous introduction but Mengqi could tell she was slightly uncomfortable. Not once did her eyes catch his which was a sign of respect to some, especially the king lion.
"Daughter of Zhang Fei, you say? The warrior worth ten thousand men, that is an interesting piece of information. I have heard great things of your fathers accomplishments at the battle against the tyrant Dong Zhuo. Though, i also heard a few tales about your courage as well."
Yan Xing simply nodded with each point his young lord made and he watched Xing Cai closely to see how she handled Ma Chao. He could be overwhelming and luckily, for both of them, he was excited about the Qiang negotiations as well as the banquet.
Ma Chao walked toward his throne and Yan Xing waved Cai forward to move with them. As they moved across the grand hall of Xi Liang, which was adorned with hanging golden banners, Mengqi went on about his new guest.
"Just visiting and taking in the sights of the land? Hmm, sometimes i wish i could do the same. Maybe one day, if the land gives a moment of peace you can accompany me on a horse ride around Xi Liang?"
Yan Xing's eyebrow raised and he looked at Ma Chao to break the momentary silence that followed such a comment.
"My lord, the banquet for your other visitors has already been prepared and we simply await your word to commence" Xing said, bowing and then ordering a few attendants to move forward.
It was time and by now the messenger to Wei Yan had already delivered the news. Food was gathered from various shops throughout the city and so was the wine. It would be a glorious time and hopefully Yan would show up for if he did not that would be.........very bad.
"Xing Cai, you shall stay the night in Xi Liang and join us at the banquet later."
Ma Chao spoke as if there was no other option, though more than likely Cai would have attended anyway. She had a few hours to retire to the guest rooms if she wanted. Soon the banquet would begin!
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Post by Ayden (Retired) on Jul 31, 2008 1:14:38 GMT -5
He was a man of legend, this was all Xing Cai could define from just the presence of the warrior. He had the presence that would make the proudest man shake, the presence of a king. Xing Cai began to question Liu Bei in her mind, could Shu stand up to this man? Let alone his kingdom, though Liu Bei never mentioned making war with Ma Chao, a clash would be inevitable, voluntary or not.
The praises of her father passed through her ears, it was something she was used to hearing. How amazing her father was, and yet, they never saw the side that was much less ferocious and strong. This was not a bad thin though, Xing Cai loved his tender side, but was also inspired by his ferocious strength and temper. Then, Xing Cai's head raised suddenly, still trying to avoid the eyes of Ma Chao. His statement about the riding caught her completely and utterly off guard.
"I..." She was saved by the interruption of Yan Xing, almost sighing in relief she was given the honour of joining the feast of Xi Liang. Xing Cai was not expecting any of this, she only came here to meet Ma Chao, not be a part of a feast. Still, she dare not be rude and decline.
"I would be delighted."
Xing Cai bowed once more, before being directed to her own quarters.
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