[Pre-game] Alliance Forces Roleplay

[Han1977]

(I hope they were happy times!)

...
The woman turned her gaze away from him, saying nothing. She scooped stones from the board into their respective bowls and, once everything was put away, lifted the board from the ground. She would glance at Yu Jun, wordlessly wondering as to his intentions, before gesturing in the opposite direction from his captain and began walking.

{I do not know whether its happy time or tiring/testing time. But it such a bless when I watch him sleep soundly. )

Yu Jun follows her quietly, walking slowly with his long pace, a little bit behind her. Yu Jun isn't blind to Kunhua's reaction. He realize that he gave her all the wrong signals. Silently he curse himself. He want to say something to make things right, but he feel his throat dry. So he clear his throat and unfortunately spit it out before he realize how disgusting it must be for the lady. Worse when he realize, he doesn't have any idea what to say to the lady.

He curse himself and slap his forehead in anger, throwing his fist a bit too hard for his own good, "Ouch... cursed... f**k... bloody ..."

"Ah... sorry my lady.", he sheepishly apologize as he realize his unacceptable behavior.

[jiangbao]

Open RP... Huang Zhong encampment that is being set up

'Serve the army they say. The girls love to see a man in uniform.' Fei Ren thought to himself. Wanting to rid himself of various debt collectors as well as poverty, Fei Ren decided to enlist himself in his home city of Changsha under the leadership of Prefect Huang Zhong.

However, it seems like he had jump from the pot and into the fire. The next thing he knew after basic training was to march many miles into battle. There were also rumours that his prefect might be leading the van. That would mean that Fei Ren would be the first to die since he is just a bloody private.

'I do love my life' Fei Ren thought to himself but then someone wants to be the hero and hence Fei Ren will have to be the zero. He have to find a way to take cover from all the fighting, hopefully the enemy generals will be aiming for some other general or officers rather than a grunt.

His train of thought was disrupted by his section commander telling him to wake up and join his buddy in the nearby watch towers. How he hates watch towers duty since any night raid, the poor guy at that watch tower will get the first arrow.

Making sure his armour was in tact, he started up the tower.

[Smith]

"Let me prove myself. Lend me a sword for an hour and I will show you how fast I learn. If you still find me wanting, I will gift you my horse and make my way home."
Zhu Ming stood as straight as he could. Doing his best to make his slim figure appear worthy.

Zhuang’s eyes narrowed further at the boys words, eyes momentarily flicking to the passing of armoured soldiers as they marched over the cold ground by the pair. With another patient, deep breath his free hand rose to stroke the slither of trimmed facial hair upon his chin, an adornment certainly grown more for the appearance of age, than anything.

“But why.” He responded slowly, head lowering to look directly in the boys eyes. “I can give sword or bow, and send you on your horse to General Zhang He or take you as my own runner at the granaries. But I must know why you wish so desperately to fight against Dong Zhuo.”

[Han Shao]

Yuan Shu's camp.

Kuǎi Fàng was a man of proud distinction. An aged veteran, he'd seen the Liang, Jing, and Jiaozhi Rebellions... the Yellow Scarves Rebellion and so far back as the Partisan Prohibitions... but none of this compared to the travesty that befell the Empire when Dong Zhuo assumed control of the state. The man's features were weathered, his hair thinning, but he was still a stout warrior for his age, one well-accustomed to war and travel. The older gentleman was going through some scrolls- records of the army's supply dispatches.

"...Something seems... off." He said softly to himself, checking another scroll and narrowing his eyes at the characters.

His eldest son Fēng lazily reclined on a set of pillows and blankets as the aged Fàng sifted through a pile of army documents. Fēng was certainly his father's son- full bearded and resembling the elder Kuǎi, he was not unaccustomed to both war and folly. Despite everything, he could be relied upon in a pinch. Of his sons, he was the most reliable. Jìn was upright, but still green, and this would be Tiān's first taste of war.

The old warrior on the other hand... he'd seen too much of battle. Yuan Shu might not have been the most noble warlord to serve but Fàng was a pragmatist at heart. The General of the Tiger Guards was among those most powerful in the Empire, and he and his sons would be well-served with him as their benefactor. Well, his sons except for Guàng.

"What is it?" Fēng asked his father, his interest turning back to the general's work as the elder replied, "The numbers seem off... Maybe I'm wrong."

Kuǎi Fàng got up with the scroll and handed it to his eldest son. Fēng took it, his attention suddenly aroused as he stood up straight and looked over the dispatches... Blinking as he furrowed his brow and read over the orders relayed to them by their lord Yuan Shao, he took a long time scrutinizing the numbers before he eventually returned the scroll, "No. You're right, father. It's definitely not enough."

The elder nodded, closing the missive and sighing. "I'll be back. I'm off to see our lord."

Fēng stood and brought his hands together in a bow as the general departed his tent and made his way towards Yuan Shu's headquarters... "Tell the General of the Tiger Guards that his humble servant Kuǎi Fàng has come to see him." He said to the guards outside the tent.

[Marzy]

{I do not know whether its happy time or tiring/testing time. But it such a bless when I watch him sleep soundly. )

Yu Jun follows her quietly, walking slowly with his long pace, a little bit behind her. Yu Jun isn't blind to Kunhua's reaction. He realize that he gave her all the wrong signals. Silently he curse himself. He want to say something to make things right, but he feel his throat dry. So he clear his throat and unfortunately spit it out before he realize how disgusting it must be for the lady. Worse when he realize, he doesn't have any idea what to say to the lady.

He curse himself and slap his forehead in anger, throwing his fist a bit too hard for his own good, "Ouch... cursed... f**k... bloody ..."

"Ah... sorry my lady.", he sheepishly apologize as he realize his unacceptable behavior.

(Haha. Well, that sounds like happy times to me.)

The woman was steps ahead, unaware of the turmoil that raged in his own mind. All she could really feel was uncertainty and fear. She told herself that he was a noble Beihai soldier, working under a good man, but that did little to quiet her trembling when she remembered the look he gave her. Brrrr.

"Ouch... cursed... f**k... bloody ...," he murmured. She could only turn around at this, and tried to divine some sort of meaning to his words. The lad stood quite shamefaced, and her fear dissipated. "Ah... sorry my lady."

"Don't tell me you're afraid of me, hm?" she'd ask teasingly in reply, stepping closer. The scent of her sandalwood perfume would hang heavy in the air, her cheeks gave a faint blush, and her eyes glinted in the fading sunlight. She looked back into his eyes, curious more than anything else at this point, though perhaps she already knows the answer.

[Wytwyld]

“But why.” He responded slowly, head lowering to look directly in the boys eyes. “I can give sword or bow, and send you on your horse to General Zhang He or take you as my own runner at the granaries. But I must know why you wish so desperately to fight against Dong Zhuo.”

The boy was confused, and it showed on his face. Wasn't it enough to want to fight? He thought back to when he first wanted to be a soldier. There were plenty of reasons to fight the rebels. They destroyed fields, shops. They made it dangerous to travel the roads. The stories his father heard from Lou Yang were little better. Dong Zhuo's men used intimidation to get unfair discounts from merchants, and there was little difference between the soldiers of Dong Zhuo and bandits. But there were not his reasons. He suddenly remembered a time when he was still a young child and his countenance changed.
"Sir, There are many reasons to face the tyrant. To free the emperor he holds hostage. To stop the poor treatment of the people of this land. To bring peace. These are all good reasons to fight, however they are not my reasons."
Ming's eyes looked off into the distance as if recalling a fond memory.
"When I was a small child, still too small for a saddle, my grandfather told me stories. These were tales of heroes and villains. Tales of honor. I am sure many children hear similar tales, however this is different.
My favorite was of bandits that would raid a small village every month. On one winter day, after a sparse harvest, the bandits returned. If the villagers gave any food, some would surely die of hunger. Many cowered in their homes as their stores were raided. One man came out from his house to challenge the thugs. They laughed that a village of cowards could possibly have even one brave soul. They began jeering the man and threatening him. He was undaunted. As the bandit leader came closer, the man threw a knife he had been concealing until then. The leader was so taken aback by the attack that he failed to raise a defense. The knife found its home in his heart, putting an end to his life. The remaining brigands were struck with terror at the loss of their leader and fled, never to be heard from again."
He then returned his gaze to the officer.
"That village was my home, and that man was my grandfather's grandfather. And I wish to prove that such courage still exists in the Zhu family."

[Smith]

Listening to the boys story, the youthful man peels his hand from the pommel of his sword, arms folding across his chest with a mild groan and rattle from his armour. The battle and the march was still a few days away, and perhaps on this occasion, he concluded, the indulgence of compassion could be wisely spent. Offering several shallow nods at the more poignant parts of the tale, he looked directly at Zhu’s eyes as the aspirant gazed back.

“There are countless reasons to take up arms and fight, young Zhu Ming. Some a far better than others.” He smiled, hawkish features creasing mildly as his arms unfolded, a hand lowering to grip the hilt of his fine sword, drawing the weapon. “And yours is one pure and noble intent. Never forget why you choose to do this, and keep nobility in your heart.”

Twisting his hand around the hilt of his weapon, fingers inched down to the guard, and wrist bent to keep the blade against the underside of his arm, he held it out towards Zhu Ming. “This sword has killed the Han’s enemies for over decade now; it is a humble blade and I find myself with a taste for something different. Take it.”

[Kagemusha]

@kakirot83

A little wine to wet his whistle was an attractive proposition and Zhuang nearly agreed to the suggestion on the spot, but then reality beckoned and he remembered that the morning ration wasn't going to distribute itself. He and his men would have an early rise to make the rounds and make sure that the army conducted its business for the day on a full stomach. Still...

”It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Li. My name's Zhuang. As to the wine... well that'd be a fine idea. I think me an' my boys could do with a distraction from the humdrum of camp life.” he said after a moment to think it over. ”We'll grab a quick supper and join you soon, if that's alright?”

[Justice]

Yuan Shu's camp.

Kuǎi Fàng was a man of proud distinction. An aged veteran, he'd seen the Liang, Jing, and Jiaozhi Rebellions... the Yellow Scarves Rebellion and so far back as the Partisan Prohibitions... but none of this compared to the travesty that befell the Empire when Dong Zhuo assumed control of the state. The man's features were weathered, his hair thinning, but he was still a stout warrior for his age, one well-accustomed to war and travel. The older gentleman was going through some scrolls- records of the army's supply dispatches.

"...Something seems... off." He said softly to himself, checking another scroll and narrowing his eyes at the characters.

His eldest son Fēng lazily reclined on a set of pillows and blankets as the aged Fàng sifted through a pile of army documents. Fēng was certainly his father's son- full bearded and resembling the elder Kuǎi, he was not unaccustomed to both war and folly. Despite everything, he could be relied upon in a pinch. Of his sons, he was the most reliable. Jìn was upright, but still green, and this would be Tiān's first taste of war.

The old warrior on the other hand... he'd seen too much of battle. Yuan Shu might not have been the most noble warlord to serve but Fàng was a pragmatist at heart. The General of the Tiger Guards was among those most powerful in the Empire, and he and his sons would be well-served with him as their benefactor. Well, his sons except for Guàng.

"What is it?" Fēng asked his father, his interest turning back to the general's work as the elder replied, "The numbers seem off... Maybe I'm wrong."

Kuǎi Fàng got up with the scroll and handed it to his eldest son. Fēng took it, his attention suddenly aroused as he stood up straight and looked over the dispatches... Blinking as he furrowed his brow and read over the orders relayed to them by their lord Yuan Shao, he took a long time scrutinizing the numbers before he eventually returned the scroll, "No. You're right, father. It's definitely not enough."

The elder nodded, closing the missive and sighing. "I'll be back. I'm off to see our lord."

Fēng stood and brought his hands together in a bow as the general departed his tent and made his way towards Yuan Shu's headquarters... "Tell the General of the Tiger Guards that his humble servant Kuǎi Fàng has come to see him." He said to the guards outside the tent.

The officer of the watch entered the headquarters and after a few minutes returned.

"Lord Yuan Shu is unable to attend to you right now. General Qiao Rui is available to see you. Is this acceptable?"

[Wytwyld]

Listening to the boys story, the youthful man peels his hand from the pommel of his sword, arms folding across his chest with a mild groan and rattle from his armour. The battle and the march was still a few days away, and perhaps on this occasion, he concluded, the indulgence of compassion could be wisely spent. Offering several shallow nods at the more poignant parts of the tale, he looked directly at Zhu’s eyes as the aspirant gazed back.

“There are countless reasons to take up arms and fight, young Zhu Ming. Some a far better than others.” He smiled, hawkish features creasing mildly as his arms unfolded, a hand lowering to grip the hilt of his fine sword, drawing the weapon. “And yours is one pure and noble intent. Never forget why you choose to do this, and keep nobility in your heart.”

Twisting his hand around the hilt of his weapon, fingers inched down to the guard, and wrist bent to keep the blade against the underside of his arm, he held it out towards Zhu Ming. “This sword has killed the Han’s enemies for over decade now; it is a humble blade and I find myself with a taste for something different. Take it.”

Ming tentatively reached for the blade. As his hand closed over the hilt, his grip tightened with resolve. When the sword was released, and he felt the full weight of the blade, Ming also felt the weight of his decision as well.
He turned the blade and held the edge in his other hand while dropping to a knee, head bowed to touch the bare steel.
"I swear, upon my family and my blood, that I will live my life with honor and defend the Han and its people with all of my being."
As he said these words, he tightened his grip on the blade so that blood ran along the blade.

He then stood and saluted the gracious officer, paying no mind to the small gash on his hand.
Ming knew that he had just altered his own destiny, and may never return to the peaceful life his father wished for him. Now he faced a greater destiny.
"Where shall I report to sir?"

[Han Shao]

"Lord Yuan Shu is unable to attend to you right now. General Qiao Rui is available to see you. Is this acceptable?"

The general paused for a moment, taking a moment to think before he brought his hands together and nodded, "Very well. Please." He said, offering his hand, "Lead the way.

[Kakirot83]

”It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Li. My name's Zhuang. As to the wine... well that'd be a fine idea. I think me an' my boys could do with a distraction from the humdrum of camp life.” he said after a moment to think it over. ”We'll grab a quick supper and join you soon, if that's alright?”

Li Qiang was glad the man accepted his invitation, and hoped that this would mean everyone would have a good night. He knew his own men needed to relax, and he knew that getting to meet new people, and feel somewhat unified, telling stories, would help, if even only a small way, for what was up ahead for all of them.

"That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure I should make sure my men have something in their stomachs before they begin drinking, this is a night off, but not a night for them to get out of control. When you and your men have eaten, feel free to drop by at any time. I'm sure tonight is not a night my men will plan on sleeping early."

Qiang smiled and bowed, before heading off back to camp. He knew it should be easy to find them later, as his men were good natured, but loud. He was sure it would be more then he expected, but somehow his men really lived to the ideal: work hard, play hard. Now was the time to make sure things would be contained and planned for, instead of letting his men get it in their heads that tonight was going to be a night of debauchery and getting too drunk.

[Justice]

"Lord Yuan Shu is unable to attend to you right now. General Qiao Rui is available to see you. Is this acceptable?"

The general paused for a moment, taking a moment to think before he brought his hands together and nodded, "Very well. Please." He said, offering his hand, "Lead the way.

The guard led the warrior into the headquarters (which at one point had been an inn) where in one of the side chambers stood an older officer, his face weather beaten and leathery. His most noticeable feature was his grand handlebar mustache, which was streaked with some grey. A gold cloak was clasped around his shoulders as he built up a fire in the fireplace.

"Damn northern weather. Makes me miss my home. Take a seat General Kuai Fang. What do you want to discuss that takes you away from your sons?"

With the fire starting to crackle, the soldier began to prepare some mulled wine.

[Han1977]

...
"Don't tell me you're afraid of me, hm?" she'd ask teasingly in reply, stepping closer. The scent of her sandalwood perfume would hang heavy in the air, her cheeks gave a faint blush, and her eyes glinted in the fading sunlight. She looked back into his eyes, curious more than anything else at this point, though perhaps she already knows the answer.

"N..n.no, no of course not.", the lad answered and take a step back as she moved closer.

Her perfume, her looks, could be compared to the vicious attack of an enemy, it flood his mind, overwhelming his sense. He can't think clearly. Unconsciously, Yu Jun take another step back, create a space between himself and the lady. For a fracture of second their eyes meet and his heart beat faster. Hastily, he turn his head, pretend to look their surrounding, watching for danger that never exist, avoiding her penetrating eyes. Somehow, he doesn't want her to see the scar on his face or his growing feeling for her, inside his chest.

"Is it still far? Your tent, I mean.", he asked politely as soon as he calmed down.

[Han Shao]

The guard led the warrior into the headquarters (which at one point had been an inn) where in one of the side chambers stood an older officer, his face weather beaten and leathery. His most noticeable feature was his grand handlebar mustache, which was streaked with some grey. A gold cloak was clasped around his shoulders as he built up a fire in the fireplace.

"Damn northern weather. Makes me miss my home. Take a seat General Kuai Fang. What do you want to discuss that takes you away from your sons?"

With the fire starting to crackle, the soldier began to prepare some mulled wine.

The other man smiled, shaking his head as he chuckled, "In my years I've been all around the Empire... and let me tell you, in the south I was bedridden the day I stepped off the boat. I lost a toe in the north and a few dozen pounds in the west."

"It all depends on what place you call home, I suppose." Kuǎi Fàng conceded as he took a seat. The two had more than just a lord in common, and the veteran warrior was somewhat ashamed that he hadn't gotten to know Qiao Rui sooner, "I don't mind this weather so much."

He sat there for a moment, smiling dumbly for a while before suddenly realizing his purpose for being there, "Oh! Yes..." The general said, producing the scroll from his armor and wagging it in front of him, "I was looking through the records and it seems the amount set aside for our allies is... Oh, how should I put it?" He asked, waving the scroll around as he gestured, "Insufficient."