A new beginning

[Zhao Lu Long]

Zhao Lu Long gazed up at the palace of the northern ruler, Gongsun Zan. He didn't really know this man, but as long as he wasn't annoying it would be fine, Lu Long didn't really care who he was, how strong he was or anything else for that matter.

He continued to look around for a moment, and despite that this may be a major part of his life, he still appeared calm, almost bored even. He had decided not to bring his weapons along, although this Gongsun Zan must know he wasn't a threat, some people get a bit worried about tiny details like that and Zhao rarely took many chances.

Finally he walked up to the main gate of the palace and said to the waiting guards
"My name is Zhao Lu Long, I seek to join your army, so escort me to your leader now."
It was clear the way he said it that this wasn't a question, but a command.

[Zhou Yu]

A pair of northmen blocked his way with crossed spears as Lulong walked toward the palace gates. A place that had only recently become residence to Gongsun Zan of the north. His men where garbed on newly forged amour of this new force he was raising in Honor of the dieing Han empire.

"You wanna sign up go to the barracks." One of the guards suggested with a wink as he laid the light joke. They could both see this was no common man and that he would if accepted become at least an officer. However the commoners would not get an audience with Governor Gongsun before joining the ranks. The other man gave his friend an amused look and raised his spear out of Lulongs way.

"Sorry my lord he meant no disrespect follow me i will take you to Lord Gongsun Zan." He turned and lead the way into the palace towards the main audience chamber.

[Zhao Lu Long]

Long looked around his surroundings with slight interest as they walked. He had managed to ignore the impertinence of the guards only because he was not yet their superior. Soon their attitudes would change however as they saw their new general.

Finally they reached the main chamber. He decided that it would be best if he waited for them to announce him rather than just walking for wards. A slight breeze blew across the chamber as he looked up at the throne. He idly wondered what his new ruler would be like. While he hoped he was not incompetent it would not make much difference to him. all he really cared about was defeating his enemies.

[Zhou Yu]

As the great gates of the throne room opened Lulong would be able to overhear a few words of conversation. Gongsun Zan was talking with his brother Fan who stood in front of the throne. A few words drifted to his ears "stuck up scum." "I'm going to kill that Yuan Shao one of these days." "Patience brother." The great doors swung open for the servants to announce him.

"My lord this is Zhao Lulong of Bei Ping." The elderly servant announce in a ringing voice as he Bowed stepping back out of the way. The conversation ceased as both Gongsun brothers turned to view there guest. Direct and to the point as ever Gongsun Zan turned his gaze to the stranger.

"I don't know you Lulong so why don't you tell me what you want with me and better yet what you can do for me." Gongsun Zan declared as he rested his elbows of the sides of his throne. He was dressed like the warlord he was still wearing his riding boots from his morning.

[Zhao Lu Long]

Zhao listened to the few words he could hear before they noticed him. He concealed a smile with his sleeve. It seemed that war may soon break out in the northern provinces. That was always good. He tended t get a bit bored in times of peace.

As he heard what was addressed at him he stepped forwards so that everybody could see him and silently evaluated the people here, in particular Gongsun Zan himself.

From what he could tell already, Zan had little time for politics. From his words and tone he was clearly a blunt man, who likely disliked sniveling cowards and had very little respect for anyone without great talent.
Judging from what he already had heard and from his appearance, the man was also a great horsemen, and from the generals around here this place was very warlike, and had little ministers for domestic and strategy based roles. Overall this seemed to be a good enough place for him to stay.

Satisfied with his surroundings he finally said
"What I want is simple. I wish to serve this court and this army of yours as best I can, and i wish to show to you and the rest of this world my power.
More importantly for you, Its clear to see that your force is warlike in nature, yet seems to lack many strategists in your force. I am a good warrior, but a great strategist. With me at your side I can help you achieve all your aims. So what do you say?"
He didn't mention what these aims of Zan's were, but it was clear about how he said it he thought Gonsun Zan was planning on eventually ruling china.

[Zhou Yu]

(short sorry not much time)

Gongsun Zan stared for a long time at the young warrior, strategist waying up weather the man looked like he could deliver on his words. It was hard to read from his face what thoughts tumbled inside his mind. After a while he spoke.

"You are direct i like that in a man." He took a moment to pause for dramatic affect. "I would gladly accept your service, if you prove skilled you will quickly rise in rank." Gongsun Zan said making a point that he would soon have to prove himself. Words meant nothing compared to actions.

[Zhao Lu Long]

Zhao Lulong gave a sudden grin and said
"Nothing would please me further than to do exactly that my lord."
Also he was telling the exact truth, for without any challenges he grew quickly bored, and lived for a good fight. Although he rarely let that show.

He looked around for a moment at all of the little people in the room. He wondered about them and about how useful they would be. No matter for if they failed they would pay for it. he silently swore that he would not fail, and that he would never be like them, but something else entirely.