A Feast for Heroes of the Chaos

[Lyle]

Damn, he thought again. Shao was now more annoyed than he had been before. Another one gone. He bid the woman farewell, though it was so low that she probably couldn't hear, for she was already moving out of the way.

Shao turned and looked around, Han bastards. They'd failed before because of such stupidity before.. allowing themselves to do as they please and become drunk with their egos.

Then there was the Emperor's chair and the thing closest to it was Yuan Shao's own sword. This was all displeasing, but respectfully Shao knew he would no longer go around prying tonight.

He looked over to Zhang He and spoke firmly, "Collect Qu Yi, Chunyu Qiong and our possessions. Meet me by Lou Yang's gates after you are done."

Shao looked around and then took a final sip from his water, after he was done he threw it the floor; a small move but rebellious still. As he exited he brushed shoulders with some bright, shiny golden thing. He didn't even turn to look however as he descended the steps he'd climbed. Before long he was alone upon his horse, waiting near the gates of Lou Yang. Above him stars, below him impending doom. The beauty and fates of man, forever destined by all but man.

[Wei Yan]

Wei Yan shook his head at Sun Yuan Ci for a moment, smiling and laughing slightly. Lu Rai even overheard and coughed up a bit of wine.

"Master? I am no Master, Sun Yuan Ci. Just a warrior who's been given the loyalty of other warriors, just as I have given my loyalty to you. Yes though, that is where you will be able to find me for now. If I am to move, I'll make sure word gets to you or your cousin somehow."

With that Yan made his way over beside Sun Yuan Ci and motioned for Lu Rai to come over as well. Pouring himself a cup of wine, along with Lu Rai, Yan introduced his companion.

"And this, my friend Sun Yuan Ci, is Lu Rai. This man is the main reason I have survived many battles, including the one against Lu Bu. Not a better shieldman alive I'd be willing to bet." Wei Yan pronounced the last line a bit loudly. He loved gloating for Lu Rai, for some reason he praised his friend quite often unknown to either man.

Lu Rai just blushed, nodded, and patted his friend on the shoulder taking his drink. "Wei Yan does me far too much honor, Lord Sun Yuan Ci." he stated with a chuckle.

[Xiaoli Qing]

"Good" she laughed slightly as the women motioned over to Ma Chao and she glanced back and rolled her eyes. "Eh he wasn't that much trouble except for trying to slip something in my drink" she said clenching her fists. She could tell when she came into the conversation that something was going on and that the women felt awkward. "Looked like you felt pretty awkward back there" she said nodding slightly to where she had been talking to that man. Qing wasn't sure if the women was nervous or if she was just really uncomfortable back there.

"I knew I probably shouldn't of came...but I promised my father" she said under her breath as she stood there for a moment. "Anyways moving on from...that idiot" she said moving her head in Ma Chao's direction she looked at the women. "My name is Xiaoli Qing" unlike the guy back there she didn't think she would regret telling this women her name. Plus that man as soon as he found another women that appealed to his eyes would leave her alone, he already was leaving her alone so that made her happy at least. Her bodyguard was standing fairly closer to her and she looked over at the women.

"Sorry about him" she said pointing to her bodyguard "he tends to worry a bit much but due to that man he's sort of...more worried then usual". Qing said looking over at her bodyguard trying to let him at least enjoy a time when they didn't have to do to much. He just shook his head and watched everyone at the party, giving glances in Ma Chao's direction to make sure he didn't come near her. In a way she felt sort of comforted that he was watching over her but sometimes she didn't appreciated it. After all Qing could take care of herself in any situation that life threw at her.

[Ji-Huang Liang]

"..Hmm?" He glanced about, looking for the one who called his name, before turning to find Sun Yuan Ci among the crowd with Wei Yan, before turning to his Lieutenant. "..Sen Acare, are you truly going to sing that song all night."

"Aaaalllll Niiight looong baby!" He chuckled, doing a little dance to himself, pointing his fingers this way and that while singing. In response, Huang Liang let out a long sigh as he walked over to Sun Yuan Ci, nodding once to the brave commander. "Ah..Sun Yuan Ci..a pleasure to meet you finally. Please...ignore my Lieutenant, it seems the victory went a bit to his head..."

Unlike his frivolous Lieutenant, Ji-Huang Liang seems incredibly traditional and uptight at the moment, attempting his best to ignore his Lieutenant with a smile, acting much more 'professional' you could say, being the Tactician.

[[Bit tired at the moment >.>]]

[zhugeliang]

The crowd of people outside Luo Yang was still around many were about to leave until the banner of Shu's leader was visible. They all started to clap once again he rode in on the famed Hex Mark horse. He only came with 4 elites the rest were outside the city under Liao Hua's watch. Many of the ladies cheered for him as Liu Bei still didnt have a lady by his side or any concubines he really wasnt it to concubines. He dismounted his horse when a palace official welcomed him when he approached the palace. The official ran up the stairs quickly and as Liu Bei was just about there he yelled

''Now, Introducing the lord of Shu Lord Liu Bei''

Liu Bei signalled for his guards to get some food and watch his horse. He approached the official and said ''You over did it'' But he didnt mind it would be fun to talk to the warriors of the great battle that had just finished. His gaze switched to the throne which was empty and He Jin no where in sight. But he did see many generals from the battle as well. Plus he saw Fei who was drunk and it was no where near midnight and he was already gone. He walked until he saw a vacant table with no-one sitting there he made the best of it and sat there himself awaiting someone to join him.

''Sigh...I better not stay long''

He breathed a short sigh of relief and wiped away any sweet from the heat of the day that had just been. He wondered if anyone would join him for a talk or a small drink. Liu Bei didnt really want to get drunk

[Lyle]

Yuan Shao and his forces leave for ye. Shao's sword still rests near the Emperor's throne, waiting for the next one in line.

[Cao Cao]

A victory banquet. Booze, food, and even women - the perfect end for these men whom survived one of the most gruelling battles of their time? Many laughs were heard, many good times were had, yet in the shrewdest of hearts lay opportunity, a chance to fulfil their ambitions by gathering new men to their cause. Today there were true heroes present, such as the valiant Lu Meng, the powerful Sun Yuan Ci, and the cunning Ji Huang Liang. Each man here had a right to call themselves efficient soldiers, for they stand in the dusk of a fallen tyrannical empire. Futures however remained unclear. It would take more than efficiency to carve out a new era for China - it would take a hero.

The doors of the banquet room swung open, and dressed in grand regal robes stood the Han’s loyal envoy, Cao Cao. The silken clothing seemed to have foreign designs on them, intertwined with traditional Han insignia. Mixed colours of gold and purple swirled along the sleeves, and traced the hem of the finely woven cloth. The item seemed newly acquired, and freshly made; indeed, Cao Cao’s absence was explained by such robes. Acting as a representative for the Han, Mengde had travelled far East, towards Japan, and engaging in various talks with their rulers. Nothing had seemingly come of it, save many offerings to the courts, and an expensive present to Wei’s grand ruler. Apart from his regal dress, a wry smile adorned the infamous general, as he stepped in through the doorway, and cast his gaze over the various men, and quite shockingly, women present.

Many of these warriors he did not know, for the call out of aid brought many unfamiliar names to the fray in the battle that Cao unfortunately missed. Yuan Benchu had already came and left this banquet, a man whom he held many ill thoughts for. Nevertheless, the present familiar faces did please Mengde, whose smile turned from wry to warm and humble in a flash. He caught Xiahou Dun in the corner of his eye, and above all, gave the man a slight bow, with a reverent nod of the head. With his cousin’s attention caught, the two men would talk many matters soon; for now, Cao had to make his presence known.

“Friends! Soldiers! Loyal servants of the Han! I, Cao Mengde, have finally arrived home from the foreign shores, to see that, even under immense threat and danger, our empire stands as strong as ever! I must first thank you all for your efforts, on behalf of the Han; I can only give my hopes and wishes to lord He Jin, whom now battles his injuries. He is truly a great man, a servant and loyal retainer of the Han! A toast to him, if we all could!” Cao then rolled up a sleeve, and raised a nearby goblet high, hoping that many others would join him in this honourable salute to the Han’s Grand Commander.

Mengde was unsure of the attention his speech would garner, but his charismatic, reverent tone, and well known persona, would undoubtedly command much respect from the many present members. His humble visage continued to gaze around the room, looking to entice people to join his toast, and also, shrewdly, scout for more important faces.

[Wei Yan]

The two men drank and spoke amongst the friendly generals in the area, giving proper courtesies to Ji-Huang Ling, quite easily one the mastermind of the western flank.

"Good to see you made it out alive, Ji-Huang Ling." chuckled Wei Yan as Lu Rai poured him another drink, but the fun times ended rather abruptly as servent girl made her way over to the two warriors and touched Wei Yan on the shoulder.

"Umm... Sir? A message comes." she stated a bit shaken by the man's laughs and obnoxious behavior as the wine was starting to take its course. Lu Rai just nodded and took the bit of parchment from the girl, reading it over.

"Yan. We need to take our leave, they say in our absence a small rebellion has taken up arms on Chang An's borders. It's our--" but Lu Rai was cut off by a rising Wei Yan, who was inhumanly sober all of a sudden.

"Then we take our leave, Rai. Ji-Huang Ling, Sun Yuan Ci, it was a pleasure to see your both. Give your cousin my regards and thanks for guarding my hide, Sun Yuan Ci. Good day and heaven's bless." stated the warrior before making his way from the table and out the door.

The two men took their horses and rode with the utmost haste for Chang An.

[Mr Nor]

Zhou Tai and and Zei Fang finally arrived at the banquet, after climbing those dreadful stairs. "Those... those stairs were spawned in the very pits of hell..." Zei Fang said as he reached the top.

Zhou Tai walked up after him tirelessly. "Maybe if you got rid of that wine barrel you call a stomach,, you wouldn't have that-"

"Please, Zhou. I am not the one who needs to watch his drinking."

Zhou Tai smiled and patted Zei Fang on the back. "Whatever you say, boy. Now, go and have fun. I'm going to get some wine and watch it while I drink it." He walked over and picked up a jug of wine, and a glass. His grip was amazingly firm as he tipped the jug over and poured himself a glass of wine. Then, never taking his eyes off the glass, he chugged it like he was taking 21 shots on his 21st birthday. He continued to pour himself wine until someone wanted to talk with him.

Zei Fang, however, had his sights set upon a beautiful girl. The way she watched Yuan Shao, the way she slowly rubbed her beautiful temple... now, he just needed to get some drinks in him to loosen him up.

[Sun Shang Xiang]

A banquet was what awaited Sun Shang Xiang after a bloody few days on the field of battle. She wanted to make an immediate impression, and what better than to wear the heaviest armour available, bloodied up from the men she had killed and then to reveal herself to all as the beautiful and eye catching woman she was.

She did just that as she walked inside, the mass of the armour making her look like a truly powerful warrior. That was until she removed her full faced helmet from her face, showing her enchanting face. Adding to that she cut the bonds holding her armour in place, and with a bang it clattered to the floor, making sure any who did not witness her entrance were now fixated on her.

She begun to walk past a guard, who rudely stopped her, asking for her blade, still unsheathed and seemingly posing a threat to those in the room, the dimwit probably suspected her as an assassin...? Was this guy smoking something? She gave him a look that would have frozen even the mightiest warrior in place, but conceded the weapon, placing it in the man's hands, who finally let her move.

Her looks were always in her favour, but ever since she left Wu and grew up by herself she used them to devastating effecivity. Even after a helmet adorned her head, her hair remained remarkably well kept. Her eyes had a certain captivating beauty, and her body was to say the least seductive. There was a lot more dangerous about Sun Shang Xiang than just her sword arm...

She saw many looking in her direction, amased by her entrance, some wondering how such a beauty could have carried such heavy armour, others were captivated by her appearance, whilst others planned their method of attack, attack meaning flirting...

She ignored it all, grabbing a goblet of wine, pouring herself some and resting herself against the wall. She wasn't going to congratulate He Jin, nor was she going to converse with other people right now unless they came to her. She was not the little girl people suspected her to be anymore... she was forced to grow up, and now she was... well to put it bluntly, a bitch.

[Xifeng Yue]

Xifeng raised an eyebrow at the news about slipping something in her drink. She hadn't been paying enough attention to catch that part. The conversation soon turned to her previous conversation, and the woman turned her head slightly to watch The Yuan Kingdom officers take there leave and grimaced slightly. That had gone horribly wrong...

"Believe me, I know how you feel." The Beautiful Devil muttered lightly, not really paying attention to the fanfare of of those arriving. She really wanted to keep her head low for now, at least until she was in familiar territory. On the Battlefield, things were different, and she'd stand up to the strongest and fiercest of all men, but her boasting skills lacked terribly. She was from a farming village, for heaven's sakes.

"That man's you bodyguard then? He has reason to be, after a stunt like that. I'd just let him fret for a bit longer, he'll loosen up with some wine and time." She reassured the younger woman, and one corner of her mouth twitched up in the beginnings of a smile. "Speaking of Wine, Xiaoli Qing, it looks like there's a toast to be made." Cao Cao's booming presence was hard to miss, out of all the other's had arrived. He had strolled in like he owned the place. She noticed several of her own men listening to him as well, interested. Most of the people here they had only hears about in legends.

One of them, well on his way to being buzzed, shouted out after the man's speech. "To He Jin!" He hollered, and a few other's followed suit.

[Ayden (Retired)]

Xing Cai's eyes drifted around the room, constantly scanning everyone in the vicinity. She wasn't spying on them, she was more or less trying to recognize anyone from the battle. Of course, the majority of them were there, but there were others who did not seem to play a major role in the battle. To her left, was the man named Lu Meng, the one whom she had joined with in the capture of Wang Yun. She watched with a amused smile as the man shooed away the women who were constantly asking him if he wanted wine or other pleasures.

"So when are you going to stop staring at Lu Meng, Cai?" Gao Jin muttered as he watched every second of Xing Cai' obvious stare. Xing Cai, embarrassed, turned back to her food, eating fairly quickly. "I wasn't staring, I was just watching him with all the desperate girls." Gao Jin smirked slowly, before their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the rather...egoistic hero of Chaos. He had waltzed in, and proclaimed a toast to a battle he supposedly had not played a part in.

"Who's that?"
"Cao Cao, Ruler of the kingdom of Wei. Hero of Chaos. Betrayer of the world, and not of himself."
"Huh?"
"His famous saying. It is better to betray the world, than betray me. He is scum in a high place. The only reason he is still alive is because he commands not only a massive army, but large respect. Remember the one eyed warrior, Xiahou Dun?"
"Not exactly, although I did remember seeing a one eyed man."
"That is Xiahou Dun, Cao Mengde's cousin. Just one of the skilled generals in his service."
"You sound like you are complimenting him, Jin."
"I'd kill both of them if I had the chance..."

Xing Cai watched with interest as the man proclaimed a toast to all who had joined the feast. Seeing him raise his goblet, Xing Cai went to raise her goblet, but she stopped halfway as she was caught by the eye of Gao Jin. He wasn't enjoying the center of attention on the man. Why did Gao Jin hate him so?

[Ma Chao]

As the allied officers went about their eating and drinking, the under-workings of the banquet were still going on. Food was being prepared in the imperial kitchen by Ming Tsai, the former Emperor's favorite chef. Performers were waiting in the wings of the palace hall to be called forth to entertain the many guests. Jugglers, dancers, and sword exhibitionist were just a few of the people gathered for the party. There was something else that was to happen as well, but it was unknown to most if not all participants.

He Jin had wanted to give the allies a surprise, so to speak, and had ordered it to happen before being taken away to the medical facility in Luo Yang. There, he was undergoing treatment for his wound in battle and it was not likely that he would be able to attend the banquet. He wished that he could witness the faces of the many people present when his plan played out.

Ma Chao was starting to become slightly intoxicated as the party went on. His two guards were no where to be seen, probably either stuffing their faces with food or dunking their heads into the wine barrels. Though, the latter would probably get them killed as Zhang Fei was guarding the flow of wine personally!

The entrance of Liu Bei seemed to be one of the most grand. The Imperial Uncle even had his own hype guy to announce his entrance to the party, surely one day Mengqi would have such a person in his entourage.

"So that is Liu Bei" Chao thought to himself, taking another drink of his wine. He had heard many stories of Xuande, but instead of having total respect for the man he had none. In fact, he was against the rebirth of the Han if that was in fact what Liu Bei would try to accomplish. No one knew of that thought for Ma Teng was nothing but a loyal servant to the empire and Ma Chao as well by default seeing as how he did most of the fighting.

Deep down, Mengqi was hiding his multiple reasons for not aiding the allies at Luo Yang. Yes, the battle against raiders in his land was true. However, he had finished them off with relative ease and could have been at the major battle by the time allies had reached the river; ready to cross.

The Han was finished and to him there was no need in beating a dead horse.

Looking around the room again, he took in the many conversations being had between the guests. One man caught his attention and Chao was surprised he had not seen him sooner. Sun Yuan Ci, who was speaking with Wei Yan moments ago, was supposedly a worthy opponent for the likes of Lu Bu. The young warrior just shrugged him off, thinking no one was worthy enough for his spear. Should Ma Chao ever encounter Fengxian, he would prove it by cutting the beast in twain!

Just as Ma Chao was moving toward Zhang Jiao, the great Taoist mage, trumpets sounded and he covered his ears in agony.

"What the F!!!" he mumbled, as one of the horns was right next to his head. A swift punch to the musician's face was called for, but Mengqi had already made so many friends!

From the doors, behind the throne, came all of the prisoners of war under the command of the tyrant Dong Zhuo. They were led in, one at a time, with the Fat Man at the front followed by Dong Min, Wang Yun, Niu Fu, Guo Si, and a few other attendants as well as officials who were rounded up inside the city. All would be punished for their treason against the Han and its people, though He Jin himself was not present to hand down the sentences. He did, however, arrange for the 'show' and after some insults along with kicks the prisoners would be brought back to the dungeon.

Ma Chao's eyes opened wide seeing Zhuo being brought in, chained and secured. He was filled with a mix of emotions that ranged from hatred to happiness due to the sight. Deep down he wanted to walk over and kill him straight away, but he also wanted the tyrant to rot in prison for eternity.

Walking over to Dong Zhuo, Mengqi leaned over and spat in the former Emperor's face!

"You are pathetic!" he barked, not caring what the others present thought of the scene.

Zhuo only laughed though, right in Ma Chao's face and also said something to him in a low voice; inaudible to others around. Whatever was said pushed Chao over the edge and he was enraged! His two guards, who had pieces of chicken hanging from their mouths, immediately moved to stay his hand. The broad sword by his side was drawn again and it seemed to be the 'cool thing to do' on this night.

Ma Chao would have trimmed the head from the Fat Man, regardless of the consequence, if it were not for his guards. They both restrained his arm until finally Chao backed off.

"What did he say to you?" one questioned, but only received a cold stare of death. The soldier quickly shut up and looked at the new lady who had walked into the banquet. Ma Chao, who normally would have been hovering around her, was not even phased.

The young leader looked around frantically for someone, but the announcement that came from Cao Cao was perfectly timed and Ma Chao's eyes glared at him with pure hatred. Instead of attacking Cao Cao, who had a large following, especially being pro-Han, Ma Chao would get to him some other way. He stared at Mengde as if slowly cutting his head off, caught in a daydream.

Ma Chao turned and left the palace of Luo Yang with his guards!

[Zhang Fei]

Fei watched Yuan Shao leave with a bit of annoyance on his face.The Warlord was somewhat full of himself.However,Lord Cao Cao seemed to be more friendly,but no one could compare to Liu Bei in that area.

Seeing his brother,Yide stumbled over to Xuande and sat down at his table.As he sat in one of the chairs,he beckoned for Xing Cai to sit with him.

"Cai! Come over 'ere and sit with yer uncle and me!"

Then he turned his attention to Liu Bei.Fei,who was admittedly drunk,noticed the face Liu Bei wore.He poured Xuande a cup of wine and also poured one for himself as he spoke to his brother.

"Whats tha matter,Brother? You look sad.Drink sum wine with me!"

[Xiaoli Qing]

It didn't look like the conversation the women had been having went all that well due to her facial expressions. Of course it sort of looked like a awkward conversation but it wasn't Qing's place to say. "That's a comfort" she said giving a small laugh, for some reason she felt slightly at ease with another women around. Especially one that showed intelligence around other people, it made her feel a lot more free to speak her mind. This women though didn't really look like she wanted to be there though, Qing really couldn't say anything though it wasn't like this was her ideal place to be at the moment.

"Yes of course not really bodyguard by choice, beat him in a duel and ever sense then he has stayed loyal to me". Which in a pirate that was a rare thing to find, of course she couldn't say that her bodyguard was like the other pirates. After all he didn't really drink and he never talked to the other men on the ship, the only person he really talked to was her. Plus most of the pirates around his age had passed and gone from the boat, other then her father of course. Qing's guess was that he just really didn't have any where else besides his life on the ship with the crew.

"Problem is" she said taking a sip of her wine "he doesn't drink" she said with a small smirk. He had once told her that it was no way to live your life, getting drunk all the time. Of course about the only time she drank was at banquets like this, never with any of the crew would she. As the women said about the toast she glanced over to see that there was a man appearing to make a toast. As she watched the man she looked over at the women "shall we join in?".

Standing there Qing wasn't entirely sure if she should join in but of course he had made quiet a toast. So if they raised there glasses there was really nothing to lose from it. After all Qing had came to this party so she might as we join in the toast. As much as she just kept telling herself that she was fighting in this battle because she had to. Something else told herself that she was doing this because some where deep inside of her she believed in what they were doing.