The First Visit

[Liu Bei]

Spring, 188 AD

Liu Bei had been asking around since Sima Hui's visit, trying to trace the man he recommended. Xuande's manner was alot more energetic since his meeting with Sima Hui.

Xuande had been asking around as he worked thoughout the city. People seemed to mention Wulong Ridge more than anything else. A small retreat in Nanyang, not far from Xinye. Xuande finalized he would have to at least give that area a try.

Xuande gathered four horsemen and headed to Wulong Ridge to ask around at least, or at most manage to meet Kongming.

With his unit, completely unarmed they made their way towards the ridge. It was a beautiful location, bamboo stalks shot out of the ground, their leaves shading the party from the spring sun. A small stream ran alongside the main path. It was a peaceful retreat, there was no sign of anyone.

Continuing on yet doubtful, Xuande spotted a farmhouse in the distance, a ray of light from the parting in the trees illuminated the entrance, like a sign. Xuande dismounted at once as a sign of respect and made his way with his company on foot towards the dwelling.

He made his way over the bridge, which stretched over the stream and lead to the cottage. He told his men to stand and wait by the bridge as he made his way forward alone. Xuande was wearing his regular attire, which was worn from much work in and around the city.

He knocked on the farm house gate and waited for an answer, standing a little nervously. Hoping that the plain garb wouldn't offend anyone of high status.

[Lu Xiang]

The healthy lands of Long Zhong, a peaceful and untouched place in which Kongming had fled to after Cao Cao's invasions. The farmers were all out, harvesting and tending to their crops - singing heart warming songs as the grain swayed back and forth in the gentle spring breeze.

The farm house had been something personally Zhuge Liang and his family had brought and expanded upon, after the death of his father, mother and uncle they all contributed towards it. Living a simple "peasents" life in harmony and simplicity. Him and his brothers studied vigerously at night, whilst working hard with the many other farmers during the day.

Liu Bei was after one man and one man only, Kong Ming - The "Sleeping" Dragon. He had be recommended by Sima Hui to Master Liu Bei and Liu Bei had refused to not search for him since. He personally wasn't home at this time; Little did Liu Bei know however it was too late to turn back now. The farm house was a little untended to, Zhuge Liang wasn't much of a housekeeper and had servants who worked for him. He spent most of his time studying works of old or travelling, playing war games or merely sleeping.

The door creaked open, and a young male housekeeper presented himself. Wearing blue robes with his hair tied up, he welcomed the company inside - it was the friendly nature of the people around here. His master would not allow such hospitality to go unchecked.

"New faces, Welcome - How may I help you?"

He questioned, they weren't too local and they were not armed either. The house keeper quietly awaited their reply.

[Liu Bei]

Xuande was collecting his thoughts when the gateway opened and a young man stood there, in response to his question Xuande saluted with a slight boy and said, "I am Liu Bei, I am in these parts searching for a man known as Kongming, a student of Sima Hui? He guided me to search for him, and I hope to meet his reverence." Liu Bei awaited the answer, hoping for some help in any form.

[Lu Xiang]

The house keeper raised his hands, bowing. He had heard of Liu Bei, the virtuous man who hailed from the North and had recently moved to the south. As much as he would like to help the man his answers wouldn't be as much as help as he had wished for.

"Master Zhuge is currently away, He left this morning infact - very early; I have no idea where he went; He often travels alone for days, weeks sometimes even months! The Sleeping Dragon recently only ever travels and sleeps. I apologise for his absence. The day of his return is uncertain."

The housekeeper bowed his head, feeling like he had failed Liu Bei and his men. He sighed a little feeling a bit ashamed and let down on his master actions.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei was disappointed, but also glad, that he had found Kongming's retreat. He saluted once more as he sighed, "I will return at a later date to pay the man homage, I will not trouble you by hanging around. Farewell, pass my regards onto your master for me" So saying he saluted in farewell and made his way back to Xinye with his men.

Time would grant them another meeting.

[Lu Xiang]

The house keeper bowed, he was clearly concealing something or someone as he saw the company outside waving them goodbye. As they trailed up the garden path and then out along the cliffs returning back to Xinye. Once they were a good five minutes away the house keeper turned around, closing the door behind him and sighing in relief.

"That Liu Bei is surely someone to watch."

He muttered before a door opened from the left of him and a large robed figure appeared. A strong beard and moustache plastered upon him and a glorious headress.

"Hmm, It would appear that way."

He answered his house servant before bowing his head, thanking him for concealing his identity and his current position. He was going to test Liu Bei.