The Dragon & The Tiger [Sun Jian]

[Liu Bei]

From the horizon came the green surge of strength, banners fluttering in the breeze as the a small procession advanced into the territory of the Kingdom of Wu. At sight it was something but a surprise, to see the Dragon entering the lair of the Tiger; both creatures known to fight many a boute never finding a true victor nor resulting in a loss. However, a fight was not the means of appearance but of reconciliation and friendship within this fragmented realm they called home. Upon the white thoroughbred the Eastern Dragon rose its head to view the surroundings he had rarely scene and the flourishing of the city whose control was recently placed under the house of Sun...

Accompanied by a unit of men, a small entourage for just an occassion; as not to show off force symbolising a threat. It was harmless but one merely brought for protection, they had closely lost their leader once and it was not going to happen again. Those who turned would see the darting eyes of Liu Bei, a gentile soul whose kind nature was far known but today the disposition had transformed into something beyond him; a surprising turn in determination and courage to place the blade into the beast. "Men, send our message to Master Sun, to seek council with a Tiger." A short yet detatched chuckle left his lips as the words run from his tongue with ease, 'council with a Tiger'..indeed his strength was plenty, but the adoration of the masses had him beat. Nonetheless, this Sun Jian was a respectable man and one he had previously fought beside when the demonic being of Dong Zhuo ravished the Capital and bled it dry...

The messengers ran ahead of the party to announce the arrival of the Lord of Shu, to seek audience with the Lord of Wu; two power houses coming together for equal means..survival and protection from certain forces who wished to devour both their Kingdoms.. Liu secretly wished that this Sun would agree to an alliance, for Wei was approaching their borders and would reach to destroy them before they arrived upon his own borders. Combined their strength would out-match that of Wei and bring their downfall to the arrogance of Cao; their meeting still fresh in the memory. "Dig in, we shall see if we are given entry..or perhaps the Tiger will dare come to the Dragon." Another chuckle as the group came to a halt just outside the Castle of Lujiang, wondering if this Warlord would show his face..or attempt for Liu to kowtow to him, true to his past form..however, this was Liu Bei being whose persona was of the Dragon; Imperial Uncle to the dying Empire and one who refused to be taken lightly anymore....

[Zhou Yu]

(As this is my city i shall join to be the middle man)

The citadel of Lu Jiang flew the crimson banner of Wu, it caught the wind and like the pride of Wu blasted to attention as the Shu dignitaries approached the fastness and stronghold of Zhou Yu, Wu strategist and prefect of Lu Jiang. His home land he had now had the honour of ruling it under a capable man Sun Ce and his father Sun Jian. Such men were tigers and honoured not those without the strength to fend for themselves such was the way of the predator. For such was the way of the land, the weak perished and the strong survived, it was fortunate only for himself that strength of mind tended to prevail over strength of arms.

Along the walls of Lu Jiang the commotion quickly stirred as the word speed of the imminent arrival of Shu and Liu Bei in the city. Such was the man’s fame that many of the people wanted to climb up onto the walls to watch. They were of course disallowed by regulations set in place by their new prefect. He would allow no foolishness here. It was not long in fact before word was carried back to his stronghold and he was informed of the arrival of their most important guests. Soon horns blew along the walls and walkways as the city greeted Liu Bei and his followers and heralded their arrival. The city flew flags of welcome but also flags of warning for Lu Jiang was defended, Zhou Yu wanted to make that point abundantly clear, Wu was strong now. He was proud of his work for his nation and if Liu Bei had come here for the reasons he suspected he might have more work to do today. Liu Bei was known for being as clever as a fox by his enemies, Zhou Yu was quite keen to see if the rumours were true. The gates of the city opened before him.

“Zhu Huan I leave you in command of the city, while I go out to meet the Imperial Uncle. No doubt we will have much to discuss. Yet should anything go amiss you know what to do.” Zhou Yu asked as he mounted his horse. He was not really worried or expecting any trouble, yet first meeting could sometimes lead to misunderstandings. He was glad at least to have some competent to take charge here and prepare things for their guests. He would take a few hundred of his cavalry with him as an escort but he had ordered them to keep their weapons sheathed at all times. Without a backward glance Zhou Yu lead the way out of the gates that yawned like a tiger’s maw.

“Liu Bei of Shu, the old Dragon of the imperial family. Now iv seen everything. What brings you to my modest city in these out of the way lands?” Zhou Yu asked as he arched his eyebrows but smiled to show he was joking. There could only be one reason he would be here. Wu and Shu had more in common, for the moment than nearly anyone else.

[Liu Bei]

As the entourage came to a halt, it was the strategist who approached them first; indeed it would be..for the Tiger would send a cub to face the Dragon..rather than risk itself, how meaningful though entertaining. Liu was not ill-informed and had first hand knowledge of the being he was present with, Zhou Yu; a man of intelligence and one would do anything to gain advantage for Wu. Though an eyebrow raised, Liu could not help but smile as it was hard to shake off attitudes of the past.. Taking a breath the reigns were tightened, the thoroughbred moved forward to give salutations to the Strategist as they made acquaintances; his men remained still, trusting those of Wu not to place harm upon their Lord.

"I believe you can foresee my reasons, Master Zhou." A short chuckle to place a more playful tone on what could have been percieved as serious. "Though the Tiger and Dragon are known to collide, this day is not of that. I journey from Yong'an to seek alliance with Wu, you of all know who we must combine our strength to eradicate." Of course, Wei, the very Kingdom that brought many people together for one simple reasong; to destroy it. Their allies were shot and none seemed willing to aid them; Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Liu Yan, Ma Teng, Yen Wang, Wu and now Shu. They all recognised what must be done and to halt anyone from becoming consumed in their expansion had to form together and be the blade to cut the head from the beast.

"I believe we should not bother these people with our words, I beg you gain a more suitable place to converse such issues." Indeed, the worries of war did not to be thrusted upon the people any more than it has..perhaps they could tell of wars upon the horizon, but they did not deserve to be worried further. Gazing back to his men a swift nod was made for the order to be put into action; they would remove their presence from the city. Indeed a risky move but one that had to be done to show how serious Liu was in gaining an alliance with Wu, both had been neutral with each other since their foundation and now was the time to become companions. The small unit acknowledge the order, turning round in a single movement to then advance out of the city and wait just outside the gates for his arrival.

Turning back to look to Zhou, a coy smile appeared upon his expression. "Do not believe that I come with alter motives, an alliance is far too important to place such pety shows of war durings these times." A true point, reliable allies were becoming hard pickings and allies in general were hard to come by, as more and more Warlords turned on each other through suspicion or simple greed...

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu smiled and nodded, he could already tell Liu Bei would be a worthy opponent in war or even across the negotiation table. He would make a good ally for Wu if that was what he truly offered. Few were those in these times that he would trust to honour their given word but Liu Bei was among the few. If his lord agreed with this assessment then today could see the start of something very special. While Cao Cao was busy making faces at Yuan Shao across the Yellow river to the south men could be about to put aside their petty differences. It would those differences that would have to be suppressed today, for there two leaders had different ideals. Zhou Yu given a choice was not sure he would see the house of Han revived or not. Yet he would surly welcome the down fall of a traitor like Cao Cao or Yuan Shao for that matter.

“Well said Lord Liu Bei. I invite you to Lu Jiang, although we may lack some of the wonders of Yong An, everything I have is at your disposal. You may bring 100 of your warriors or servants as well should you wish. I would not have it said that I tried to intimidate the Imperial Uncle in my home.” Zhou Yu said deciding on a compromise for surly as Liu Bei was aware he would not allow too many Shu troops inside his city. Although he trusted the man he had to follow his own military procedures in all events or be seen as a two faced fool who did not follow his own advice. He pulled on the reigns of his horse gently to turn it around, well trained it was alert to his slightest movements. With the gates open wide and welcoming he granted the Dragon no longer trapped in a pond, into his city. He had already sent word to his Lord Sun Jian informing him of Liu Bei’s arrival. It would be a momentous occasion indeed when the Tiger and the Dragon meet face to face. He suspect much would be revealed then.

“I want you to know Liu Bei that I share your sentiment. Too many warlord shake hands in friendship only the next day to tear out each other’s throats. Know that this is not the way of the Tiger of Jiang Dong. If we are allies we are allies until the end.” Zhou Yu whispered as he pulled his horse up level with Liu Bei. Lining the street on either side was a line of warrior standing to attention. Behind them in a mass held back by his men were the crowds of Lu Jiang who gathered around to get a look at this man who would a friend to their lord and by extension the people of Wu. Zhou Yu was not sure what to make of this yet but his mind worked over time as he considered every angle, never to be caught out of position.

[Liu Bei]

Liu listened to each word that was spoken by the Strategist, each a valid point and another point of keeping a close eye on this very man; it was not Sun Jian to concern oneself about, but the scheming tactician who wielded the power of persuasion. Being allowed entry of 100 men made him smile, perhaps a way of showing that they too meant no threat? Nonetheless it was acknowledged and an inclination of the head gave thanks to Zhou. "I shall continue without my men, to pay respect to our hopeful allies by waiting outside the city gates." As the mountain the Shu Lord would not move from such a decision, to prove that he trusted those of Wu with his life and was serious about making them a true friend of his.

As Zhou approached him slowly and mentioned that alliances with Wu were taken seriously, something that was solid as the ring of jade. However, Liu was sure there was an alternate meaning for these words; perhaps a subtle threat by the Strategist? If it was, he surely was not as Liu first believed...to make threats before an alliance? To entertain the idea he could not help chuckle and raise an eyebrow to the youthful man, though his tone did not lack seriousness. "I would not have come in person Master Zhou, if I did not wish to see the friendship of Wu and Shu last ten thousand years." Indeed there would be a time that the alliance between the two Kingdoms crumbled, because one side would yield to the desire of greed and wish to devour the entire realm under their own banner. Yet, Liu could not help feel that such coldness could be concieved by the idea that he still wished to unify the land under the Han banner; indeed a servant of the entity, but these years had taught him many things..and one, was that the Empire was fading fast, no longer had it the strength to truely protect itself; the time for it's end was nigh and soon another would replace it....

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu looked away to hide a spreading grin it seemed Liu Bei reputation so far was deserved the man was quite brilliant to have picked up on his vague references. Clearly Wu would have to be careful here. Although he fully intended to deal with Liu Bei fairly, he was a cautious man and Liu Bei had something of a reputation. Of course such rumours were spread by men like Cao Cao and Yuan Shao so could not be taken at face value. Although he could not deny that some time down the line they might have less in common at the moment it made good sense to ally. He just hoped there would never come a time when such an alliance became difficult. He did not think he would enjoy it if it did. The crowd thinned out at last as they came to the government palace at the city centre. The Whole area was closed off and his men would shut the gates behind them. He did not want some idiot messing things up by breaking into the palace to catch a glimpse of Liu Bei, as amusing as that might be at the time. It was a sad fact of the world that for every smart man there were 10 stupid ones, not that he cared any less for them but he was a realist.

“Yes I can see your conviction Liu Bei, your trust of me speaks volumes I think you are a man of your word. I can only hope you will take mine that when I say I share your good wishes and hope we can live in peace while dealing with our common enemies with clear concerted action.” Zhou Yu said wanting to make clear that he backed this alliance with Shu. Although he might manoeuvre for advantage and keep an eye open Zhou Yu intended to suggest to his lord that they went ahead with this alliance. He would only ever serve his lord but he got the feeling if he had meet Liu Bei before Sun Ce his life might have gone down a different path. He dismounted and let a stable boy take his horse, he gestured for Liu Bei to follow him inside.

“I have prepared a suite of rooms if you wish to stay with us for a while. Or perhaps you would prefer to get straight down to business in which case I shall direct you to my lord.” Zhou Yu said sweeping his red cape up and behind him with one hand as he climbed the palace steps. He was eagerly anticipating watching the meeting between the two southern lords it should be interesting to say the least.

[Liu Bei]

Liu was quite surprised by this turn in words, it seemed that the Strategist had genuine feelings for this alliance..indeed a misjudgement on his part. It was a good sign for the future, if Zhou agreed he would no doubt secure an alliance with Shu and perhaps a friendship between the Liu and Sun clans. Stroking the beard upon his chin, the Shu lord listened to each word intently and thought of the option to make a stay within the territory of Wu. "I shall hope our two Kingdoms can aid our people, to defend against those who wish our demise." The future was too far to tell, however, already Liu was conceiving a possible plan for this realm's generation and destiny; for two Kingdoms to become one as the Liu were known for politics, the Sun for military..both combined could create quite the formidable entity. Yet, it was too far to tell, surely the heirs of their Kingdoms would think differently; who knew?...

"I must decline your hospitality Master Zhou, please forgive my insolence. I do not wish to stay from my jurisdiction for too long, I see enemies upon the horizon who believe me to be weak." There was truth within, no doubt Liu Yan or even Liu Biao would gaze their hungry eyes upon his lands and attempt military action while he was absent..something he could never forgive himself if such truely happened. "Indeed escort to Lord Sun, but may I have one request for the council?" As the hand was lowered, Liu's eyes focused upon the Strategist. "I wish for you to be present, as Strategist of Wu your position within the alliance is of significance to me; I shall be honoured with your knowledge to the table." The Lord from Shu was known for his enjoyment of company, but it was the company of those he deemed with ability beyond their years that intrigued him most and of course..it seemed through Master Zhou this alliance could be secured further...

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu led the way through the interior of the palace a step ahead of Liu Bei . He knew it well from his childhood but he never dreamed he would come to rule here. It was good that Lord Sun treated his allies well and his never forgot his friends. It might well come to pass even that he and Liu Bei would share the battle field as comrades against Cao Cao. If that were to come to pass he was sure the best the crafty Hero of chaos would manage would be to escape with his life. “To Business then follow me. Lord Sun Jian is waiting.” Zhou Yu said sending a messenger ahead to inform his lord. It was interesting that Liu Bei wished him to sit in on the meeting. Although Sun Jian might have requested as much anyway Zhou Yu had assumed Liu Bei would have wanted to speak privately. It showed he held Zhou Yu in some esteemed. Zhou Yu was surprised again and was beginning to see why Liu Bei attracted as many people as he did to his cause. “If you wish it lord Liu Bei. I would be honoured to take part in the discussion. I can only hope it won’t be the last time we get a chance to speak, perhaps I should pay you a visit one day, if you would have me.” He said returning some gesture of respect by suggesting he would put his life in Liu Bei hands by coming alone to Yong An as Liu Bei had done here. Too soon however they had arrived, the servants pulled open the door and quickly Zhou Yu stepped through raising an arm and a smile as he made the introductions.

“My lord this is Liu Bei known to many as the imperial uncle, Liu Bei this is my master Sun Jian of the southlands descendent of the legendary Sun Tzu. “ Zhou Yu said looking from one man to the other. He would try and read their reactions like a book for first appearances were important. He sat down in the middle so he would be sitting on neither side of the table.

[Sun Jian]

(Jian Ye)

It was the same routine day after day with frequent visits from officials to report to him any issues if any had arose in their villages. Though today was going to change as a messenger arrived from Zhou Yu informing him of Liu Bei's arrival. He had not heard from Liu Bei since Hulao and was both surprised and glad to be able to see him again. As soon as he recieved the message, he turned to a guard and said, "Prepare my horse, I am off for a little trip. Inform Ce that he is in charge until I return". The guard nodded before leaving his presence.

What could of brought him here, he would soon find out, as he called for his Royal Guards who accompanied him wherever he went, before leaving the Palace. Infront of him was his white steed which was completely pure and clean, and behind him came 5 brown horses which each of the guards sat upon. Then when he was ready, Sun Jian pulled the reins on his horse, as he galloped away at great speed with his guards behind him. They couldn't keep the Imperial Uncle waiting.

(Lu Jiang)

Once Sun Jian arrived in the city, he was greeted by the guards who told him that Zhou Yu was with the Imperial Uncle, before taking his and his guards' horses away to be fed and rested. Sun Jian turned to his Guards and waved his hand, meaning to tell them to stay there, before going up the steps into the Palace of Lu Jiang. When he entered, an official lead him to a rectangular room where a table was prepared ready. He dismissed the official then took the remaining time to relax, until he heard footsteps approaching and then a familiar voice as he stood up and walked round the table so he could greet the Imperial Uncle.

As soon as he came in, he smiled and bowed in his honor, "Imperial Uncle - Liu Bei, it is my pleasure to be able to see you once again. Welcome to Wu! Please, take a seat".

(OOC: Rushed near end. Apologises)

[Liu Bei]

As the doors opened to reach the main hall of council, Liu prepared himself to meet this man who claimed descendant of the military strategist who reshaped the thought of battle. Within the room stood the Tiger and Dragon, focused upon each other; on amicable terms they arrived and greeted each other. A bow of respect from Sun was welcomed and thus the Shu Lord would have to return, yet the bow performed by himself was somewhat lower than what he had recieved. Of course, Liu understood etiquette and the Leader of Wu was host thus being superior for now..thus it was required. Smiling to kind words and the offer of a seat, it was believed that this company would be quite enjoyalbe.

Within the deepest thoughts, Liu believed his presence much more of a struggle than the soon comrade before him; it seemed easy for Sun to elovate himself within the Courts...to rise above others with a swift movement. While, he himself struggled through his youth to gain money for his family to be fed, only until a reluctant distant family member paid for his education could he be welcomed into scholarly cliques; even then they placed harsh judgement upon him. The road for Shu had been created through pure perceverence, from the leading of mere volunteers to gaining proof of his lineage. Yet still, though an Imperial Uncle, it seemed that his life would continue upon a harder path than others..

"Lord Sun, an honour to be in the presence of such a being." The very title, Imperial Uncle..how it sounded important, but in reality meant nothing; he gained no power, no footing or respect for such a thing. It made no difference anymore, the line he was Uncle to had began to fade from the realm. "I shall place the subject to your quickly, we are two men who lead our people to a new destiny; thus our words shall not be long winded. I come here in hopes to create an alliance, a friendship between Shu and Wu. I do not need to speak of the very man who we must protect each other from." How true, it was the Leader of Wei who was the largest threat and one that seemed to trust no one; other than himself. Cao Cao used many and also threw many to the ground.
Yet there was something Liu could not speak of yet, the desire to see a bond between their Kingdoms as solid as the jade ring..to aid as brethren...

[Sun Jian]

(OOC: Sorry for my delay and short post as I did want it much longer, but wanted to get thread moving and not delaying any longer)

Sun Jian nodded and smiled as Liu Bei spoke directly the point. No doubt he wanted to solidify his position. It was true that Cao Cao was a common foe and a cunning man, and had to be stopped before he became a bigger threat. This would only be done with an Alliance, and who better to ally with, but the Imperial Uncle Liu Bei. "I do believe an Alliance would benefit us both and protect us from our common enemy, so he would not even dare attack us at a united front"

[Liu Bei]

A smile appeared upon the Imperial Uncle's expression to hear the words that the two creatues of their realm known for boutes of voilence, had came together this day; two elements of this land holding strong against another. Slowly stroking the small beard upon his chin, Liu slowly nodded and glanced to the Strategist.. A man he only wished he had the chance for him to become part of his own Kingdom, yet, such thoughts could not be concieved..it would have no virtue attempting to persuade him to became a traitor. "Indeed the Phoenix is a powerful beast, one whose death shall never come easy. However, as the Tiger takes the ground and Dragon guards the skies; the Phoenix cannot escape the claws of the combine elements."

However, something came to bother Liu as the thoughts of Cao's destruction lingered. "Master Sun, I understand that my words a somewhat premature..however, I cannot hide my worries from you. Once our equal is placed into the earth, what of next? I do not wish to see our two houses turn upon each other." A sigh was allowed to escape his lips, one of suffering while strength hidden within..it was something from the heart, indeed many would through such as mere talk; but with the likes of Liu Bei, was another matter. There was an idea on the tip ready to express, however, another glance to the Strategist Zhou and the words were halted..he did not wish to speak of such if it was not necessary; only awaiting others to question his thoughts...

[Zhou Yu]

Zhou Yu looked from lord Liu to his own lord, it was as interesting a contrast and exchange as he had expected. He could tell his lord wanted this alliance but also that he had some reservations, perhaps lingering doubts. Such was surely also the case with Liu Bei although he knew him not well enough to read him as well as his own lord. When two great powers joined forces to defeat a great evil that threatened them both yet there would always be the fear that not soon after your former friends would become an even worse enemy. Indeed Zhou Yu saw little point in letting his lord conclude such an alliance if they planned to do such. Cao Cao might be a threat to them both but he suspected Liu Bei was the more competent man, he would have supported no such alliance that meant one day they would face each other on the field of battle. Yet how could such be avoided, the alliance against Dong Zhuo or even Zhang Jiao had lasted not long before they fell upon each other like a pack of rabid wolves. It was a terrible result but one born down but poor diplomacy from each lord as they entered into the coalition with only plans of betrayal. Zhou Yu knew it would be his fault if this alliance went ahead and one day after the same divide occurred between these two lords. Yet with such talent gathered around this table he was sure it could be avoided.

“My lord if I may speak.” Zhou Yu asked deciding this issue had to be dealt with first before they could say anymore. Indeed he had once had his own doubts about this Liu Bei, at least before they had met. However those had vanished now after meeting the man. Where honour was involved their was a chance for honest men to deal fairly with each other.

“Lord Liu Bei is quite right. We must forage a permanent and lasting bound between our two fractions and your two families. No doubt or mistrust can be allowed to flourish else, it helps our common enemy. Each side must understand the others intentions and be willing to offer not only military assistance but ensure the other has ample room for expansion and a chance to achieve honour by slaying the lands traitors. Only thus can we achieve a what I am certain we all desire. I would like to hear both of your input on this for I am perhaps unworthy to decided anything being a mere advisor hear. Yet may I suggest as a gesture of a good will that Sun forces assist lord Liu Bei with an invasion of Yi/Shu so that he may secure a land of his own an a position of strength from which to face Cao Cao one day.” Zhou Yu said speaking his mind as he looked at his lord questioningly to see how he would take this suggestion. In the strategist opinion both sides would have to give a little to gain a lot. This was the way Zhou Yu felt best Wu could prove it own sincerity by helping Liu Bei to defeat Liu Zhang. They had enough troops he felt to defeat there own current enemies so why not use the excess to assist a worthy ally.

[Liu Bei]

Taking a breath, the Imperial Uncle was quite taken back by the sudden voice of the Strategist within the discussion..not only was it to emphasise the advantages of a Liu-Sun alliance, but also one that requested aid for the Green Banner to gain some ground; to act as a buffer if, and when, attacked by the forces of Wei. Gazing to Sun, Liu could not help wonder what he thought of this..would he agree, or perhaps see no benefit for the Kingdom of Wu in this? Liu only hoped that the Tiger would place this aid to him and send the Strategist, for it would be quite something to get to know the mind of the fascinating being. "Master Zhou speaks some truth.. The families of Liu and Sun could create a balance of security for the people within both jurisdictions. When combined, two forces shall surely be stronger than a single entity."

The Shu Lord was not sure how to approach the next subject Zhou placed before the small council, the discussion of Wu's aid to help Shu's expansion West and into the realm of another Liu kinsmen. "I must thank the Heavens for such kindness you place upon my Master Zhou, however, I could not possibly accept such a large offer." Common courtesy, as Liu would understand that if he accept the offer of aid swfitly..it would seem him rude and improper; but to decline, would make the force seem more tempting to give. Glancing back at the Strategist, the Dragon-like being could not help but smile to a possible new-found-friend..or so he hoped. "Indeed I worry much for my ancestors in turning the blade upon a Liu, however, to oust such a being is necessary. Master Liu Yan's administration has become weak, the likes of Master Yen too seeks his lands. To establish a stronghold in Chengdu would benefit the growth of Shu, thus allowing it's strength to aid Wu in its endeavors would increase." The city of Chengdu was an important area within Liu Yan's jurisdiction, with its strong economy and high agricultural sustainability, and it would become the bastion of all strength that would surge throughout the Kingdom of Shu. Liu let out a disheartened sigh, in hopes that Sun Jian would agree to the terms of reinforcement while knowing that it was not an easy decision to make..to rid the realm of a fellow kinsmen, but they all must act in the best interest of their Kingdoms, people and survival of their clans in power...