Cheng Du

[Hoshi_Mibu]

Takato shook his head with a smile at Ling's enthusiasm, she was always so hyper and happy. Putting the tadpole into the bowl he asked "so how are you doing?"  

[cherrisoda]

Ling thought for a moment before answering the question, "I am doing...okay...but it is always very boring in the kingdom..."  

[Hoshi_Mibu]

"Ah well what can one do?" said Takato still smiling as he shook his head slightly.  

[cherrisoda]

She smiled, "Errr...Maybe go for walks outside the kingdom or something? I don't have many friends..."  

[Hoshi_Mibu]

"You know you're not allowd to go outside the kingdom, its to dangerous even if you have a proper escort." said Takato with a frown looking out for the princess's safety.  

[cherrisoda]

"Really? Not even if I have more than one escort? Or anything?" asked Ling with pleading eyes.  

[Hoshi_Mibu]

"You know I would be flogged and it is unsafe for you to go. Unless you have your fathers concent I cannot allow you to leave Shu... You know how dangerous it is." said Takato serously as Ling's pleading eyes had no effect on him.  

[cherrisoda]

Ling sighed and then nodded, "Sorry for asking. I would not want that to happen Takato."  

[Hoshi_Mibu]

"Its alright, I'm sure we can figure something out." said Takato with a kind smile.  

[cherrisoda]

"Thank you Takato! For always being so nice to me!" Said Ling, smiling back.  

[Hoshi_Mibu]

"Anytime Ling," said Takato with a smile and a sake of his head before saying "Perhaps we should head out now, we should get back before dark."  

[maxochrome effect]

Shu Ma Yu sighed as she awoke. Her eyes gleamed with early morning tears and she rolled her eyes. She hadn't been to battle for ages, and the dummies in the training grounds weren't very interesting. She feared her beloved Nu Wa Rapier would rust. And she wasn't willing to ask for money to pay for it's repair. So she, just occasionally, would hunt local bandits and other small tasks, just to stay in practice. What she really wanted, however, was a big battle. The Battle of the Red Cliffs was a huge success, and their alliance with Wu was starting to become a bit... lackluster. It was almost over. She was bored. And she was tired of the Wu guards harassing her when she patrolled the town or the castle.

She got out of bed and dressed into a beautiful green gown and her headdress, leaving her hair flow, and keeping her hair out of her face with a small green comb. She hid a small knife in the hem of her sleeve for self defense and ventured outside. What should she do today?  

[Zion the Marquis of Wen]

You must enter a tiger's den to catch a tiger.

With a final thrust, Zhao Yun finished his training for the day. He looked around... The scent of blood... He mounted his horse and moved on into the deeper part of the forest... Wielding his spear, Zhao Yun cautiously peered through the bush... Bandits! A score of bandits were threatening merchants, and those who resisted lay dead on the floor. With a shout, Zhao Yun rode out and attacked them. Within a few rounds, the bandits lay dead...

Fearing for the safety of the merchants, Zhao Yun offered his protection and followed them to Cheng Du before heading his own way...

Speed is of the essence, follow me!