The Third Visit

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang felt a little ashamed of himself, but what did this man expect from him? Coming to his house and requesting him as a strategist capable of restoring the Han. He sighed, wishing he was a little more ignorant or brave to accept the mans request. A spiral of emotions that didn't normally occur to him rushed through his body. He was feeling sympathy for somebody he barely knew? How could this be? He hadn't suffered emotions like this since he was a child, he had neglected emotions - considering them a weakness to a stout mind.

"I...I....I..."

He stumbled for a moment, not sure how to reply. Clearly this man was something more then he had first assumed; maybe Master Sima Hui was correct after all. He thinned his eyes, glancing down at the crying man - older then him reduced to such tears. Was he really this devoted to his cause? He had a strong warm heart. Kongming closed his eyes quickly. A thousand images flashing before his eyes before shouting.

"Forgive me, I was careless. Please take me into your service. I'm not much; however I am willing to offer my advice and help you achieve your dreams and finally unite this land in peace."

He announced, understanding now that these two had naturally bonded some how. This Liu Bei figure was a little more then a simple man with a huge heart for the people. Zhuge Liang couldn't put his finger upon it, but he was destined for great things.

"My knowledge is at command as you wish and I shall use it to the best of my ability for your vision, My lord."

Zhuge Liang falls to his knees, bowing his head and finally accepting that Sima Hui was correct. Who knew where this path would take him.

[Liu Bei]

Xuande was quite broken he sat there blanked out, he returned to the world after a moment of blackness, and was regathering his bearings, when he suddenly heard Kongming talking, fuzzy sound that eventually cleared.

He heard Kongming out, changing his mind, perhaps Liu Bei missed something while he was blacked out? Liu Bei raised unsteadily to his feet, having to balance with his arm on the way up.

He rubbed his head and wiped his eyes, he felt like he had been out for a while. He raised Kongming to his feet and said, with apparent lazy eyes, his view was a little hazy, but he worked through it.

Xuande then said to Kongming, almost mummering, he didn't realize that upsetting himself took such a toll on his outspoken speech, "If you have changed your mind so, Master, then I find myself infinitly grateful" So saying he stumbled ever so slightly and rubbed his head.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang laughed, his master coming back to life a little. He still didn't know how things would work, but he guessed it would be an experience that he would never forget. He shuffled a little; stretching out his dress.

"Lord Liu Bei, I shall ride with you to Xin Ye and assist you by any means I can."

He said still remaining low and bowing before finally arising, totally ready for this now. Perhaps it was time to stretch his knowledge and prove to the world how fearsome intelligence could be. This would be a proving ground for him, somewhere he could finally belong at long last. Someone who appreciated him.

"My brothers shall look after the farmhouse whilst I am gone, allow me to pack a few possessions and we can depart as swiftly as possible."

Zhuge Liang was a man of few possessions anyways. He had no need for such treasures or junk, just a few clothes, a journal, his fan which stayed by his side at all times and his headress before he placed the small bag in the hands of the housekeeper, saying his goodbyes to his brothers and his father in-law. No doubt they would see him still, only be a little way away.

Eventually after explaining to them what had happened over the past few hours; they gave him their farewells, wishing him the best before he returned back to Liu Bei bowing again.

"If you are ready; then I do believe it is time for us to repaired this broken land - Together."

He said, bowing extending his arm to signify the door for his lord. One step at a time. Every single movement matter now. It was cause and effect.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei body readjusted to it's state and he woke up from almost a dream world. He bowed deeply with a grateful salute to Kongming as he said thankfully, "It would be an honour to have you by my side Master Kongming." Xuande was ready to leave, he said to Kongming's last statement, he replied with a laugh, "It shall be a privilege."

Liao Hua was waiting in the courtyard for Xuande's return, when he and Kongming walked out togather happily. He got up and rushed over, and bowed to the two men, "Greeting Master Zhuge, I am Liao Hua, I recently joined Lord Liu here after...'an encounter'" Liu Bei laughed.

Just then, there was a knock on the gate.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed to his masters comment, it would be an honour to serve him but not only to serve him, but serve him with everything he has ever known.

"Please my lord, you flatter me. Come.."

He said laughing before closing the door behind him, saying goodbye to his family once more as a new figure appeared in the courtyard. Liao Hua. He looked honourable and wise.

"A pleasure to meet you Master Liao, I hope I can offer your lord the service he requires of me. Please do lead the way."

He said laughing along with them, uncertain of the encounter that he elapsed - but sure he would find out eventually why it was so funny. Before there was a knock on the gate.. Zhuge Liang looked puzzled a little, he wasn't expecting anyone - especially not in the winter. He stroked his beard.

[Liu Bei]

The servant opened the door to a familiar face, bowing and allowing him entry, the scholar with white eyebrows entered and bowed to the three men laughing happily, "Good to see you again brother Zhuge, from how I see it, I take it you accepted Lord Liu's invitation?" It was Ma Liang.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang laughed at loud, seeing his oathbrother his eyes overwelmed with joy once more. He bowed his head low, in great happiness.

"I did of course, after several rounds of persuasion - The Stubborn Dragon submitted and now I serve Master Liu Bei. It is good to see you again, Brother."

He said smiling, unable to wipe it off. Signalling to his housekeepers to fetch the horses so they could all head back to Xinye together. The work wasn't getting any smaller and the quicker they arrived, the quicker Kongming could begin.

[Liu Bei]

Ma Liang laughed as he bowed to Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei and Liao Hua as he said, "Since my worthy brother I too shall exhast my efforts in serving your Lordship." Liu Bei thanked and welcomed him, uneventfully, they headed off to Xinye uneventfully.

The End