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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 12, 2006 15:51:51 GMT -5
But as the Emperor saw Xanthos coming into the palace, he knew exactly who he was. The Han's spies had detected Xanthos' armies as they passed through He Nei, west of Luo Yang. He had also heard from an eavesdropping palace guardsmen about the foreigners when the Persians had arrived at the Imperial Court itself. Emperor Huan did not know Persian, but he did have several interpreters who could speak the language and he had obtained knowledge that the dignitaries arriving at Luoyang understood Chinese well enough as well. His ministers had already guided him on what he should do with these Sassanid visitors: appease them with land, for they apparentely had a well-trained army.
When Xanthos came about 100 paces from the grand throne of Huan, the Emperor put his hand forward, signalling to Xanthos to halt where he was. If Xanthos took another step forward he would be shot to death by hidden archers within the throneroom. After this Huan waved his hand and looked behind him, this time requesting in sign language that an interpreter be brought forth. When a dull-looking man complied and came forward, Huan told him in Chinese to recite the speech he had memorized to the Sassanids. The interpreter spoke in fine Persian, as if he was a native of the old-Parthian lands himself.
"The Emperor welcomes you to Luoyang. He has long known about your coming into the Middle Kingdom and beseeches you to stay here. Our majesty understands that you come as embassadors, and therefore he wishes to grant your people the territory of Chang'an in the West, where a recent insurrection of Qiang and divided Han traitors has devastated the land. He asks that you repair it and govern it well, and that you set up an embassy there for your own kingdom. Hopefully, he says, the native people living there will respect foreign rule more than Han sovereignty, which the Qiangs seem to despise. That is all," said the messenger.
Without a word the messenger then stepped back; he would move forward when the Persians replied. Emperor Huan hoped that these foreigners would respond quickly and to the point, for at the moment he was feeling quite sleepy from greeting all the visitors that had arrived in Luoyang that day.
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 12, 2006 16:44:31 GMT -5
(Sure, you guys are all done here. If you want to roleplay further it's up to you, but your kingdom centered around Chang'an is already secured. ) The Emperor nodded at the guests, now all gathered in his throne room. He was delighted with their respect in his house, but now that he had given them what they wanted, he waved his hand politely to signal that they were perfectly welcome to leave now that they had obtained what they desired. Not trying to be dismissive, he also whispered to his interpreter to tell them that if they wanted to stay, they certainly could, though he understood that they had pressing matters to attend to. After the interpreter said this, the Emperor sat back down in his majestic seat, for he had stood up when Syrus and Darkstar entered the room.
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Post by pharotes on Jul 12, 2006 17:23:29 GMT -5
(Heh, they moved on...Diplomat time.)
A day, in the least, had passed since the Sassanid first came to the Imperial palace requesting to...aid the Han. The very same Diplomat that announced their official arrival to the guards. He was the most fluent man within Parthia – he spoke Chinese, Greek, Roman, Gallic, and even some Japanese. He, like his master before him, showed he had no weapons nor armour then made his way into the palace, to speak with Emperor Huan. His Lord and Master, Xanthos, wanted Imperial consent, for the time being, in any conquests. As to make himself look good in the eyes of the people and the Han.
He stopped before the marker on the ground – a line that, if crossed, spelled certain doom for anyone. Coughing to clear his throat and gain the Emperor’s attention, he spoke, “O mighty Emperor – Son of Heaven and Majesty of the Middle Kingdom, my Lord – Xanthos, Prince of Parthia and Member of the long Sassanid ruling line, wishes Imperial Consent for his soon-to-be conquests. The Qiang have indeed caused much damage to Chang’An, but already our lord has been slaving away to repair the damage to the city. What he wishes to do next is push the Qiang from Tian Shui and An Ding – and claim them for himself, and for the Han – to protect them from further…outbursts of the Qiang...O Son of Heaven, what do you say to this?”
(These won’t start for awhile, but I want to get this out of the way…hence the crappiness of it.)
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 12, 2006 17:42:01 GMT -5
The Emperor is happy on this day, for some odd reason. He must have just been given pleasure from one of his concubines. He smiles, as if high from snuff bottles, which he probably is, and stands up to speak."Gracious diplomat, your prince is the lord of Chang'an. He is welcome to crush rebels where rebels must be, to oust tyrants where tyrants may rule and so on and so forth," says the Emperor rather casually. He then sits down and falls a sleep, tired perhaps from recent events. (Crap post but who gives? I'm the Han Emperor, I can do what I want. )
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Post by Ge Hong on Jul 12, 2006 18:28:20 GMT -5
((Arrogant bastard )) Shimazu Toshihisa bowed, a traditional japanese custom, that wasn't like what the Chinese did at all. Although they bowed their head, Toshihisa litterally went to his knees, and laidn himself out, such obeisance that he made. Standing up to leave, he spoke once to the Emperor.A lifes such a lie. As is all things in this realm. I'll be seeing you soon there, Huan...
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Post by Zhang Hu on Jul 12, 2006 23:55:44 GMT -5
Coming into the Imperial Palace came a man with rough and ragged hair surrounding the face of a madman. Every step was like thunderous noise throughout the palace. The man had forgotted to remove the metal that he keeps when riding his steed. While quick enough to skip past the guards it became quite obvious that this man was tiring from a long sprint. This man was Hua Xiong. He was born in a lowly, unknown town and soon gained stature from dueling and defeating all of ruffians that had haunted the village for years. From his fame he was soon discovered by the high-ranked officer in the Han known as Yuan Shu. After much discussion Yuan Shu was able to persuade Hua Xiong into service and soon they began their attempt to gain power in the land.
Arg, I'm late as usual. Every time that Lord Yuan Shu requests my presence at an important event I am alwasy late. Next time will be different, but for now I need to catch up to him.
Bursting through the last threshold that blocked the way to the Han Emporer and Yuan Shu, Hua Xiong had to catch his breath before he was able to speak.
"Lord Yuan Shu, I apologize for my late arrival to this event, however I promise that I will make up for my absence in our next encounter with any foes. My Emperor, I apologize for my berzerker dash through your lavish corridors, however I was in a bit of a hurry."
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Post by Don't Reregister account Aruzo on Jul 13, 2006 7:24:22 GMT -5
*Yuan Shu was disappointed to hear such a reply from the Emperor, but he knew the Heavens were on his side today. He had followers, but those had disappeared for some time, but Yuan Shu somehow knew his loyal men would soon appear to show the Emperor Yuan Shu was a great leader who had followers. And while the foreigners with their ass kissing continued to the Emperor, Yuan Shu awaited his followers, but he didn't cross his arms to show his lack patience. No, he kept waiting in a respective stance to the Emperor. He couldn't show himself from the bad side. For in reality, he had only received a promise for land. And what could a promise mean in such dangerous times if Yuan Shu had to wait too long?*
*But there he was. The first one out of Yuan Shu's armies was no-one else then Hua Xiong, the strong warrior who feared nothing. A large smile immediately appeared on his face when his eyes catched Hua Xiong entering the room. And after Hua Xiong finished speaking to both the Emperor and Yuan Shu, yuan Shu walks over to Hua Xiong pats him on the back.*
"Perfect timing, my friend. I accept your apology, as I know in these times, schedules mean little. Danger lies behind every corner, but today we are setting some big steps towards tranquility in the name of the Han. As you can see, my Emperor, I do have loyal followers, like General Hua Xiong here. Now, I can promise you, a man called Dong Xi will soon also join my rank here, but waiting for him might prove fatal for the Jing province. As you may know, oh, Emperor, bandits live close to Jing and knowing there is no-one to protect the cities there, might encourage them to strike and claim land for their own. Therefor I ask you, please allow me to depart immediately with Hua Xiong at my side. Lives are at stake, my Lord."
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Post by Jorge on Jul 13, 2006 11:47:22 GMT -5
(Is not gonna duel an uber long post)
Dong Xi spotted from the gate of the west side of Luo Yang heads over to the guards spotting if they have seen Yuan Shu but he did not know Yuan Shu might have entered thru the East side as his homeland was a diffrent kind of that of Dong Xi's. Dong Xi also thought maybe he came to early or even too late that the guards do not remember Yuan Shu has passed by. Anywho he went inside the wonderous city of luo Yang and stopped by the streets of a poor5 area and gave some pieces of gold for charity to show what a good spirit he was to the elderly and poor. However he thought by now his Lord yuan Shu might have arrived and thus he went in search of the Palace of Emperor Huan in haste. Arriving he dismounted his steed and reported to Yuan Shu.
"Master Yuan Shu, I am here have you gotten the deed to our future land from Emperor Huan yet?"
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 13, 2006 13:44:03 GMT -5
Yuan Shu's supporters had arrived. The Emperor looked gleefully at Dong Xi and Hua Xiong. He was glad that Yuan Shu's friends and loyal subordinates had arrived in the lord's time of need. Now the great Gonglu, as Yuan Shu occassionally preferred to be called, could be given land and would no doubt rule wisely. The Emperor looked to him and, in a rare act of obeisance, bowed to him as he announced:
"You are fortunate Lord Yuan to have such just friends in times of need. Go now to Northern Jing and restore order to the province. As with the other lords who have entered the palace, I have faith in you"
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Post by Zhao Ping on Jul 13, 2006 17:48:33 GMT -5
A soldier rode a lone horse towards the capitol city.He carried with him a black seal flag.He looked to the guards of the gates,nodded to them and handed them a note,proclaiming on who he serves.The guards seemed quite puzzled and were quite relectant to let the soldier in.The opened the gates after interegating him.He carried a Trident Halberd,twin scimitars around his waist,a composite bow wrapped around his chest,and some daggers.He pledged his alliegance to the empire,but he still had to leave his arms at the foot of the palace.He wore a black cape with gold interior.On the back of the cape read "renegade" in teal.His armor was all black,outlined in gold.His helmet was black also with gold outlining.It had peacock feathers hanging out of it.
He rode a crimson horse,a valiant steed known throughout the land as the Red Hare.He rode the horse through some mud and rode it up the palace steps.Once inside he dismounted Red Hare at the fore front.He took off his helmet and handed it to a servant.He carried the flag over towards the emperor.The look in the emperor's eyes is something this soldier was used to see,fear.He grinned at the emperor,turned around quickly,and threw his flag out of the hall out into the streets.It got stuck into one of the houses in Luo Yang.The soldier began to laugh with horrible disguist,as if he was pure evil.He turned back around towards the emperor,knelt on one knee and lowered his head.He was 20 paces from the throne.He had three daggers in his boot just in case of a assassination attempt on him.He began to speak,and the speaker was none other than Lu Bu himself.
"My emperor,living God,I am Lu Bu.I wish to serve you for the time being.I will be your bodyguard for the moments time just until I get an offer from any kingdom.How about it?Will you let this civil servant stick around for awhile"?
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 13, 2006 19:17:08 GMT -5
Emperor Huan looked at Lu Bu with a friendly expression. His ministers meanwhile glared at him. Lu Bu was a frightful man, and easily scary enough to intimidate anybody, even the Emperor. Emperor Huan did not want to insult Lu Bu, but he already had enough bodyguards as it was, and he knew that his advisors would not at all approve of Lu Bu as his guard. He would accept Lu Bu into his court if necessary, but first he decided to stall...
"Lord Lu Bu, I am most appreciative of your offer," says Emperor Huan with a bow. "But...I currently have many bodyguards. If you wish, I would not blame you for going to one of the lords of the land that I have appointed of late, though if you seek to assist the Han then I suppose you may serve in the palace, and if you do well I may appoint you as captain of my armies," finishes Huan.
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Post by Zhao Ping on Jul 13, 2006 21:31:14 GMT -5
"The land is full of renegades.The Wako's are nothing but mere pirates,pillaging the land.The Sassanids are nothing but intruding foreigners looking to add onto their current land to the west.And Cheng.......Yuan Shu and I have our own distasteful history,not sure if I'd like to support a traitor to the throne once again.I think I shall stay here and rest for awhile,I do not take no for an answer."
Said Lu Bu,as he walked to one of the pillars nearby.He leaned up against it with his head tilted downward.He sat stood there with his eyes closed,as if day dreaming.He had a minor grin on his face,as if he felt as if his time has come.
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Post by Emperor Shao on Jul 13, 2006 23:30:35 GMT -5
Emperor Huan listened to Lu Bu intently, wondering why the people who he appointed could be plotting ill against him. Huan was a well-loved Emperor for the most part, and he was also smart, a great rider and archer and quite fit. He was naive though, very naive, and did not really understand how he, the god of heaven could ever make the wrong decision. Because of this he often made very dumb decisions, especially in regards to appointments. This earned him a lot of enemies in the court, especially among his ministers.
At that very moment, this resentment among Emperor Huan's advisors would show. While Huan was hearing Lu Bu's speech, and Lu Bu was giving his oration, two evil-harboring men had slowly snuck towards both Lu Bu and Huan. These were people hired by Emperor Huan's own staff, and probably supported by Huan's son Ling, who was preferred by the courtiers of the palace. Just 2 seconds after Lu Bu finished talking, the man who was sneaking closer to Emperor Huan stuck his dagger into Huan's leg. A cry rang from Huan's mouth, and the assassin repeatedly stabbed him. The son of heaven managed to fling his fist in the asshole's face though, and soon several guards had apprehended the evildoer. But meanwhile another man crept up behind the guest Lu Bu, intend on sticking a dagger in the warrior's back. Emperor Huan was at the time on a stretcher, being brought back into his quarters to be treated, but as the other jerk was about to murder Lu Bu, he raised a hand to warn his gracious guest, then fell down in pain...
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Post by Zhao Ping on Jul 13, 2006 23:41:32 GMT -5
Lu Bu saw the assassin and thought to himself,why should he care for the well being of the Han.The assassin leaped for Lu Bu,but Lu ducked and took him by the right hand,the one in which he was going to stab Lu.He threw the man onto the ground and proceeded to walk out of the palace.
Let the emperor died,he thought,it wasn't his problem.He was refused once and so Lu Bu left the capitol.If the emperor dies,who gives a damn?
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Post by fearless on Jul 14, 2006 14:40:02 GMT -5
For Rome
Sitting in the stern of the Rowanian wender, his feet dangling nearly to the water below, a lone observer watched as the dense forest left behind him was replaced steadily by shrub and bush. He glanced over his shoulder, knowing that the dock of Luo Yang, the river craft’s destination, was not far ahead. He could not yet see it though. The back of his father’s head caught his eye, standing as he was in the boat’s prow. The man’s black hair was thick at the back, but grew noticeably less so as it neared his crown. The son could not help an amused smirk at the resemblance between thinning hair and forest as he turned back to watch the water, his curiosity in the wonder left in the ship’s awake.
A pasty yellow trail of embrollioun, stirred up by the wender’s rudder, left a clear marker that would be seen for hours of the ship’s passing. His eye had long since been trained to pick up the most minute details of disturbance, so that even the path of a light footed hamnare was as easily discernable as was this algae trail. For a moment the wind shifted, coming at him from the north, bringing to his nostrils the acrid smell of the disturbed embrollioun. Wrinkling his nose to clear the assault, he was grateful when the breeze shifted again, and went back to its easterly course. Deciding that he’d had enough of watching the vanishing past, he rose gingerly, picked up his spear and made his way past the evimite shipmaster who stooped to attend the candence power box and the supply crates in the middle of the boat, to stand beside his friend and father.
“Almost there now lad,” Fiago Julli greeted him, “the city is just around the next bend.”
Valano Julli nodded, but said nothing. From the corner of his eye he watched his father with barely concealed concern. Fiago Julli leaned heavily on his spear and buckle, his age showing more with each passing day. A dingy red fur cloak was fastened tight around his shoulders, the ever cooling northren air an unwelcome change from the warmer southren left behind them. Urgent business sent them north. Valano Julli knew not the nature of it, but when a Roman Soldier was called upon to render service, a Roman Solider obeyed. Moreover, when a Roman Soldier was called upon by Carius, Ruler of Rome, a Roman Soldier rushed to obey. Fiago Julli alone knew the manner of their mission, and had thus far not bothered to enlighten Valano Julli about it. With their destination just before them, Valano doubted his curiosity would go much longer unsated.
The wender rounded the bend, and the high stone walls of Luo Yang came into view, frowning heavily upon the banks of the River Wynoeth. Little more than an outpost meant both as guard of the Rowanian border against the raids of the savage Helgor and as a staging ground for counter attacks, Luo Yang was a collage of ramshackle huts and storage sheds, offset by the stout keep which loomed assertively over the barren landscape. Lacking in all respects the glory and splendour of more sophisticated Solisean architecture, its stark military purpose a profound reminder of the dangers that lurk beyond the nation’s well guarded border.
Unable to resist the attempt at gleaning some clue to their objective, Valano broke the silence with, “I thought you said the last time we left here that if you were never this far north again you’d die a happier man?” Fiago Julli responded with a wilting look and a slightly lopsided quirk of a frown. He remained steadfastly close lipped however, and Valano thought the better of pressing the issue.
Within moments the wender pulled smoothly up to the wharf. Without missing a beat, Fiago Julli leaped up to the dock, rudely foregoing a farewell or a thank you to the man who had brought them here. Accustomed to picking up his father’s etiquettal slack, Valano waved a hand to the captain as he stepped up to the wharf, and said, “Farewell to you sir, the journey was swift and sound, and for that you have our thanks.” Returned was but a bland stare, before the shipmaster turned away to secure his boat. Valano could understand why his father had such a coarse attitude toward people, few did much to warrant otherwise. Shrugging, he turned to catch Fiago Julli up.
A pair of well armed guards kept sharp eyes on them as they left the dock. Fiago Julli ignored them as he led the way to the keep. Even with his longer stride Valano worked to keep up with the old man’s quick pace.
“I know you’re old and can’t be arsed to give a damn anymore, but a little courtesy for your fellow man might preserve what little humour you have left,” Valano remarked quietly, as he strode alongside his master.
Fiago turned an incredulous expression toward his son, sneering his long moustache with his response. “When did I ever give a damn?”
“I hardly consider an evimite my fellow man,” the Roman Knight continued, casting a scornful eye on the locals going about their business. “As for my humour, I’ve plenty enough of that left. I’ve kept you around these ten years haven’t I?”
Valano snorted a reply, accompanied by a fond grin.
“Besides, he got paid well,” Fiago went on calmly, “what more courtesy does he need?” The question went unanswered, as the pair made their way up the short cart path to the base of the keep.
Their entrance was not impeded. Although it had been more than a year since their last visit, Fiago Julli's past services to the Han state had not been forgotten, if never appreciated to his liking. The guards greeted them with a quick salute, which he ignored. Valano nodded in acknowledgement to them, but said nothing. They were here on business, and when it came to enterprise he always let his father do the talking.
The inside of the keep was a study in contrast to the out. Banners representing the house of the Emperor decorated the walls, framed by avalu velvet red and gold curtains, cut in the Han fashion, held up by silken yellow cord. Ornate armours and weapons, some of which were so outdated in their design that Valano guessed them to be from as far back as the Nerullean age, held honoured places in hallways and on pedestals. One whole wall was dedicated to a pattern of pharrahna ivy, its layout depicting in accurate detail the Han national crest. The procurator of this place had gone to great lengths to preserve as much of evimite culture as could be managed indoors.
Within moments they were standing before the Emperor of the Han, Lord of Luo Yang, and governor of the Si Li province. The Emperor was a stoic character, vigilant in his duty, reserved in his politics. Despite the turmoil that often plagued the Chinese parliament, and that the lightness of his tan hinted at something other than evimite in his heritage, The Emperor remained an ardent defender of evimite society. Neither eager in his reach nor timid in his standing, he made for the perfect governor of an out of the way territory that kept enemies of the state at bay. He was also one of the few persons of authority that Valano knew his Father had at least a little respect for.
The Emperor stood from a table burdened with a multitude of scrolls and heavy tomes, and welcomed them with a curt nod. He offered them both a warm goblet of wine, and a place to sit. The wine they accepted gladly, the chairs they declined. Their host remained standing as well, as Fiago Julli said, “Your Highness, across the great seas there are few who stand in the way of the Chinese Culture, the Roman Empire is only a selected few that match or surpass that of the Chinese Warfare, i of the Julli Family, have decided to come in hopes of greating a new empire, one that will resolve this unjust communication across the land and help preserve the real Chinese Culture left, i may be a roman soldier, and i may fight and dress like tht of my ancestors, but this will benefit us both, so long as you give me permission to form my foundation.” His voice was calm and level, with just the hint of a harder edge.
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