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The Celestial Empire (Romance of the Three Kingdoms-ish, Updated 12/09/05)
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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1753799" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>First installment. Hope people enjoy!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>Spring... in the fifth year of the reign of the Divine Emperor Yuandi...</em></p><p></p><p>Lotus blossoms have always symbolized many things across the Celestial Kingdom. Some see them as a sign of luck, others see their white blossoms as signs of life, love and innocence. In the kingdom of Taisho, these white blossoms are sometimes viewed as symbols of death. </p><p></p><p>But there is one region whose lotuses are beyond compare... for they are not pure white in color, but blood red. Some say the lotuses of this region have become that color due to the blood shed by the raiders constantly coming into the Celestial Empire from the Great Desert of Shu, others that the color is the blood shed by the soldiers of the Son of Heaven.</p><p></p><p>Regardless, these lotuses have become a local commodity trade, enough that a small town sprang in the midst of these fields, along the great Fur Road that sends silks northward and furs south. The town was simply named Red Lotus.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Nayu, by no means, was old enough to remember the founding of his village. His great-grandfather might have, but that was beside the point. Such thoughts were not crossing the young man’s mind as he conducted his daily morning ritual.</p><p></p><p>The scholars sent by the Son of Heaven to administer this region always blathered on about finding ‘virtue’ and ‘inner peace.’ Nayu didn’t know much about their own methods, but he found searching through the markets of Red Lotus in the dawn of a new day to be relaxing. Trinkets were easy to find, and he already had an extensive collection. However, it was rare to find anything of immense or unusual value. For that, one had to go either north to Mialung, Henan, or south to Xianlung. And in the eyes of the Divine Emperor, even those cities were considered paltry.</p><p></p><p><em>Hmm... what have we here?</em> the young man’s brown eyes caught the shimmer of something unusual. His lanky 5’10” frame strode over to one of the better known salesman in the community, one Deng Yan.</p><p></p><p>“Master Deng,” Nayu gave a polite bow, which the older man returned, “may I have a look at this hat?”</p><p></p><p>Nayu picked the object up with glee upon seeing it. In respects to shape and size, it looked the same as a normal peasant’s wide brim. But its surface oscillated with color, shifting softly between red and a light brown. </p><p></p><p>“How much for this?”</p><p></p><p>“Three copper taels,” Deng responded, nearly spitting out distaste. “That thing is near useless. I almost feel like I’m overcharging you... you sure you want that, and not some of these nicer potions and elixirs I have?”</p><p></p><p>Nayu hid his initial response to scoff. Deng’s ‘potions’ were frequently little more than water with alcohol added. One might feel cured for a few hours, but then a headache usually accompanied whatever ailment was bothering the unfortunate scam victim.</p><p></p><p>“Three copper? I’ll take it, if only for the sheer novelty!” Nayu said somewhat excitedly. Soon, he was strolling through the market, the colorful hat upon his head as he self consciously adjusted its small, nascent mustache to a merchant’s perfection.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>Three days!</em> Felonca’s mind groaned as her stomach did the same. Her entire body was dusty... she had long since stopped caring about that. Underneath her black coat hung locks of midnight black hair, and bright blue eyes possessing a cat-like quickness, as well as feline vertical slits.</p><p></p><p>Felonca was one of the <em>hengeyokai</em>, a race of shapeshifters that had long before settled alongside the humans and other creatures of Ak Konylu. Most of the ancient hengeyokai hierarchy had collapsed... hengeyokai like herself, technically part of the ancient ‘Clan of Panthers,’ were now common. Others were extremely rare... the Qiling, the ancient rulers of the hengeyokai when the swept down on Ak Konylu, still sat on the Jade Thrones that dotted the provinces, and held firm on their grasp of the Throne of the Son of Heaven.</p><p></p><p>Her unnatural quickness and agility had been looked on by her family as a route to their longtime profession; soldiering. Felonca had gone so far as to have gone to a minor academy in Hsiu-lan, along the still rising Desert Wall, but she found Master Hsiu to be too strict to her more open mind. Upon entering, leaving the Academy was punishable by beatings that often left the criminal dead.</p><p></p><p>Nonetheless, Felonca had dashed away, and for some weeks now, had been living by her wits and what she could swipe away from people. </p><p></p><p><em>Perhaps here I might be lucky yet again,</em> she thought, as the sweet smell of meatbuns and baked goods wafted into her extra-sensitive nose. Her eyes darted about, till she found the butcher and baker’s shop. A nice tray of tasty treats had been set out to cool. Carefully, she edged towards the shop, her eyes constantly watching as crowds of people milled around, none paying her much attention. Just as her arm slashed out to grab today’s dinner, she heard a shout.</p><p></p><p>“You there! Stop!” came a great rumbling voice. She didn’t have to look to know that roar could only be coming from the hulking blacksmith, whose smithy she had noted nearby.</p><p></p><p><em>Dammit!</em> she cursed, as she tucked the bun into her cloak and ran. She heard thundering steps behind her, and felt a massive set of hands catch her shoulders. She tried to twist away, but the fierce grip grew only tighter.</p><p></p><p>There’s shouting and yelling all around her, till she hears a simple voice tell the man, “Let her go. I’ll go pay Master Wu for the meat she took.” Felonca felt the grip loosen, and she was able to turn and see the face of her savior... a tall, lanky kid that was only just growing his whiskers. On his head was an unusual hat that shifted colors constantly.</p><p></p><p>“Next time, if you want something, pay for it,” the young man admonished her before disappearing in the direction of the butcher’s.</p><p></p><p><em>Who was that? Why did he help me?</em> Felonca thought. For a moment, she stood still, nibbling on the food that was now legally hers, before she heard the hulking blacksmith behind her give a disappointed growl.</p><p></p><p><em>I’m going to follow him,</em> she decided quickly, and quickly began trailing the colorful hat through the market crowds.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>Well, that’s another two coppers... so I’m down by what... five coppers this morning?</em> Nayu chuckled to himself. Last week’s sale of two rare peafowl had brought in a large sum of money, and Nayu was still thankful his father had acknowledged his help in the matter by giving him half of the massive haul... nearly two hundred <em>gold</em> taels. <em>If those two coppers can put some food in that girl’s belly this morning, they’re well spent.</em></p><p></p><p>Nayu then moved about the market more, before finally recognizing another familiar figure. The old crone, wise beyond her station and years, always took a stall across from Jiang the blacksmith, and usually had very interesting trinkets. One in particular had caught Nayu’s attention.</p><p></p><p>“Hello, Madame Cixi,” he smiled. The old woman gave cracked smile, before coughing slightly.</p><p></p><p>“Hello, young man!” she croaked. “You were eyeing this rose here, yes? It’s magical,” she added, slowly bending to grasp the thorny stem with shaky hands. “Always smells nice, and will cover up any bad odor... a hit with the ladies, I should think! Five hundred gold, young Nayu!” she gave a slight croaking laugh.</p><p></p><p>“Five <em>hundred</em>?” Nayu replied. <em>Madame Cixi is not one to gouge prices... what going on?</em> “Madame Cixi, I have been to Xianlung, and they sell roses like this for only five <em>silver</em> taels. Why do you charge so much for this rose?”</p><p></p><p>“Because,” she slowly and shakily set the rose back down again, “I have a hole in my roof, and the prefect sent away my son to work on The Wall.” The elderly eyes looked away wistfully for a moment.</p><p></p><p>Nayu remembered that day, where soldiers from the military governor had come, and demanded all young men between twenty and thirty to go work on His Divine Majesty’s great project... the Desert Wall. Some said it towered a hundred feet above the desert sands, and that once finished, it would stretch for a thousand leagues into the mountains. Many a young man had already lost his life building the great monstrosity.</p><p></p><p>“Madame Cixi,” Nayu said gently, “you would do much better if you offered a fairer price. After all, no one in the village can afford the rose if it is that expensive, save the prefect.” The latter’s name was delivered as if one was spitting on a dog.</p><p></p><p>“I do not plan on selling it to that ass,” the crone croaked quietly, motioning towards the crowd. Nayu turned, and quickly caught a glimpse of the man he utterly detested, the crowd’s parting for his leisurely amble. </p><p></p><p>While all around him were clad in rags or simple woolens, the prefect strutted about in blue and gold silks, an elegant velvet cap perched upon his imperious head like a crown. His head was held high, his arms crossed, as he dared any of the lowly commoners that surrounded him to even look at him.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Felonca saw this garish display as well... and she also took note of the hidden looks of disgust and anger on the faces of all the villages around her. Even the blacksmith, after the prefect passed, had spat into his forge. </p><p></p><p><em>That man must be outright loathed</em> she thought happily, <em>as well as rich! A truly easy mark!</em></p><p></p><p>Her cat-like agility went to work again, as she dashed about the crowd, coming ever closer and closer to him, all the while looking as if she were just another shopper. Finally, she drew close enough behind him to smell the incense and perfumes wafting from his body, as well as hear the slight tinkle of pockets full of coin. Her hand started to stretch forth...</p><p></p><p>“Madame,” her target suddenly swung around to face her. His face was immaculately cleaned, his long mustache hanging low, his eyes regarding her with suspicion and superiority. “May I ask why you follow me so?”</p><p></p><p>The crowd’s noise had died down around her suddenly, and Felonca didn’t need to look to know that soldiers were about.</p><p></p><p>“Um... Illustrious Sir,” she added, hoping her ad-lib was close enough to the man’s proper title, “I beg to report that there is someone stirring trouble in the market!” <em>Damn good save, Felonca!</em></p><p></p><p>“Someone stirring trouble? What is their description?” the prefect raised an eyebrow. She could sense there was distrust in his voice.</p><p></p><p>“Yes... um...” her voice stuttered as her mind raced, “there... is a... um... man. In the market, with a colorful hat,” she jumped quickly, before kicking herself. <em>He helped me! I cannot hurt him!</em> </p><p></p><p>“Um... he knows what the troublemakers look like!” she stumbled awkwardly onward.</p><p></p><p>“He does?” the prefect said, eyebrow still cocked. “Very well. Captain, go see about it!” Felonca felt the crowd part as a few soldiers slipped past, before the prefect gave a slight, mocking bow. “I thank you for the information, Madame. You may go.” He flashed around, and arrogantly began to swish away from her.</p><p></p><p><em>Now I know why all the townspeople hate him!</em> She hesitated a moment, before bolding deciding to try her luck at robbery again. This time she dashed up behind the prefect, who seemed to not hear her at all. In a flash, her hand had dipped into one of his pockets, and neatly retrieved a few items.</p><p></p><p>Slipping away from her quarry, Felonca then examined her haul. Fourteen gold taels gleamed in her hands. Also, she had extracted three long pieces of wood, upon which were scribed characters. She could tell it was in Common, but she did not recognize or understand many of the words.</p><p></p><p><em>Scholarly crap,</em> she growled, before noticing that the edges of each carefully made character was etched in gold. A dark smile crossed her lips. <em>If its etched in gold, its probably worth something... but to who?</em></p><p></p><p>Her mind rambled, looking for the name of someone she could ask about this. Invariably, her mind went back to the young man that had helped her. She had seen him go talk to an old woman on the other side of the market... perhaps they could direct her to someone that would like to be an unwitting fence.</p><p></p><p>She dashed off, tucking the three sticks into her pocket, not knowing that they pulsed with magic energy...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1753799, member: 15043"] First installment. Hope people enjoy! [i]Spring... in the fifth year of the reign of the Divine Emperor Yuandi...[/i] Lotus blossoms have always symbolized many things across the Celestial Kingdom. Some see them as a sign of luck, others see their white blossoms as signs of life, love and innocence. In the kingdom of Taisho, these white blossoms are sometimes viewed as symbols of death. But there is one region whose lotuses are beyond compare... for they are not pure white in color, but blood red. Some say the lotuses of this region have become that color due to the blood shed by the raiders constantly coming into the Celestial Empire from the Great Desert of Shu, others that the color is the blood shed by the soldiers of the Son of Heaven. Regardless, these lotuses have become a local commodity trade, enough that a small town sprang in the midst of these fields, along the great Fur Road that sends silks northward and furs south. The town was simply named Red Lotus. Nayu, by no means, was old enough to remember the founding of his village. His great-grandfather might have, but that was beside the point. Such thoughts were not crossing the young man’s mind as he conducted his daily morning ritual. The scholars sent by the Son of Heaven to administer this region always blathered on about finding ‘virtue’ and ‘inner peace.’ Nayu didn’t know much about their own methods, but he found searching through the markets of Red Lotus in the dawn of a new day to be relaxing. Trinkets were easy to find, and he already had an extensive collection. However, it was rare to find anything of immense or unusual value. For that, one had to go either north to Mialung, Henan, or south to Xianlung. And in the eyes of the Divine Emperor, even those cities were considered paltry. [i]Hmm... what have we here?[/i] the young man’s brown eyes caught the shimmer of something unusual. His lanky 5’10” frame strode over to one of the better known salesman in the community, one Deng Yan. “Master Deng,” Nayu gave a polite bow, which the older man returned, “may I have a look at this hat?” Nayu picked the object up with glee upon seeing it. In respects to shape and size, it looked the same as a normal peasant’s wide brim. But its surface oscillated with color, shifting softly between red and a light brown. “How much for this?” “Three copper taels,” Deng responded, nearly spitting out distaste. “That thing is near useless. I almost feel like I’m overcharging you... you sure you want that, and not some of these nicer potions and elixirs I have?” Nayu hid his initial response to scoff. Deng’s ‘potions’ were frequently little more than water with alcohol added. One might feel cured for a few hours, but then a headache usually accompanied whatever ailment was bothering the unfortunate scam victim. “Three copper? I’ll take it, if only for the sheer novelty!” Nayu said somewhat excitedly. Soon, he was strolling through the market, the colorful hat upon his head as he self consciously adjusted its small, nascent mustache to a merchant’s perfection. [i]Three days![/i] Felonca’s mind groaned as her stomach did the same. Her entire body was dusty... she had long since stopped caring about that. Underneath her black coat hung locks of midnight black hair, and bright blue eyes possessing a cat-like quickness, as well as feline vertical slits. Felonca was one of the [i]hengeyokai[/i], a race of shapeshifters that had long before settled alongside the humans and other creatures of Ak Konylu. Most of the ancient hengeyokai hierarchy had collapsed... hengeyokai like herself, technically part of the ancient ‘Clan of Panthers,’ were now common. Others were extremely rare... the Qiling, the ancient rulers of the hengeyokai when the swept down on Ak Konylu, still sat on the Jade Thrones that dotted the provinces, and held firm on their grasp of the Throne of the Son of Heaven. Her unnatural quickness and agility had been looked on by her family as a route to their longtime profession; soldiering. Felonca had gone so far as to have gone to a minor academy in Hsiu-lan, along the still rising Desert Wall, but she found Master Hsiu to be too strict to her more open mind. Upon entering, leaving the Academy was punishable by beatings that often left the criminal dead. Nonetheless, Felonca had dashed away, and for some weeks now, had been living by her wits and what she could swipe away from people. [i]Perhaps here I might be lucky yet again,[/i] she thought, as the sweet smell of meatbuns and baked goods wafted into her extra-sensitive nose. Her eyes darted about, till she found the butcher and baker’s shop. A nice tray of tasty treats had been set out to cool. Carefully, she edged towards the shop, her eyes constantly watching as crowds of people milled around, none paying her much attention. Just as her arm slashed out to grab today’s dinner, she heard a shout. “You there! Stop!” came a great rumbling voice. She didn’t have to look to know that roar could only be coming from the hulking blacksmith, whose smithy she had noted nearby. [i]Dammit![/i] she cursed, as she tucked the bun into her cloak and ran. She heard thundering steps behind her, and felt a massive set of hands catch her shoulders. She tried to twist away, but the fierce grip grew only tighter. There’s shouting and yelling all around her, till she hears a simple voice tell the man, “Let her go. I’ll go pay Master Wu for the meat she took.” Felonca felt the grip loosen, and she was able to turn and see the face of her savior... a tall, lanky kid that was only just growing his whiskers. On his head was an unusual hat that shifted colors constantly. “Next time, if you want something, pay for it,” the young man admonished her before disappearing in the direction of the butcher’s. [i]Who was that? Why did he help me?[/i] Felonca thought. For a moment, she stood still, nibbling on the food that was now legally hers, before she heard the hulking blacksmith behind her give a disappointed growl. [i]I’m going to follow him,[/i] she decided quickly, and quickly began trailing the colorful hat through the market crowds. [i]Well, that’s another two coppers... so I’m down by what... five coppers this morning?[/i] Nayu chuckled to himself. Last week’s sale of two rare peafowl had brought in a large sum of money, and Nayu was still thankful his father had acknowledged his help in the matter by giving him half of the massive haul... nearly two hundred [i]gold[/i] taels. [i]If those two coppers can put some food in that girl’s belly this morning, they’re well spent.[/i] Nayu then moved about the market more, before finally recognizing another familiar figure. The old crone, wise beyond her station and years, always took a stall across from Jiang the blacksmith, and usually had very interesting trinkets. One in particular had caught Nayu’s attention. “Hello, Madame Cixi,” he smiled. The old woman gave cracked smile, before coughing slightly. “Hello, young man!” she croaked. “You were eyeing this rose here, yes? It’s magical,” she added, slowly bending to grasp the thorny stem with shaky hands. “Always smells nice, and will cover up any bad odor... a hit with the ladies, I should think! Five hundred gold, young Nayu!” she gave a slight croaking laugh. “Five [i]hundred[/i]?” Nayu replied. [i]Madame Cixi is not one to gouge prices... what going on?[/i] “Madame Cixi, I have been to Xianlung, and they sell roses like this for only five [i]silver[/i] taels. Why do you charge so much for this rose?” “Because,” she slowly and shakily set the rose back down again, “I have a hole in my roof, and the prefect sent away my son to work on The Wall.” The elderly eyes looked away wistfully for a moment. Nayu remembered that day, where soldiers from the military governor had come, and demanded all young men between twenty and thirty to go work on His Divine Majesty’s great project... the Desert Wall. Some said it towered a hundred feet above the desert sands, and that once finished, it would stretch for a thousand leagues into the mountains. Many a young man had already lost his life building the great monstrosity. “Madame Cixi,” Nayu said gently, “you would do much better if you offered a fairer price. After all, no one in the village can afford the rose if it is that expensive, save the prefect.” The latter’s name was delivered as if one was spitting on a dog. “I do not plan on selling it to that ass,” the crone croaked quietly, motioning towards the crowd. Nayu turned, and quickly caught a glimpse of the man he utterly detested, the crowd’s parting for his leisurely amble. While all around him were clad in rags or simple woolens, the prefect strutted about in blue and gold silks, an elegant velvet cap perched upon his imperious head like a crown. His head was held high, his arms crossed, as he dared any of the lowly commoners that surrounded him to even look at him. Felonca saw this garish display as well... and she also took note of the hidden looks of disgust and anger on the faces of all the villages around her. Even the blacksmith, after the prefect passed, had spat into his forge. [i]That man must be outright loathed[/i] she thought happily, [i]as well as rich! A truly easy mark![/i] Her cat-like agility went to work again, as she dashed about the crowd, coming ever closer and closer to him, all the while looking as if she were just another shopper. Finally, she drew close enough behind him to smell the incense and perfumes wafting from his body, as well as hear the slight tinkle of pockets full of coin. Her hand started to stretch forth... “Madame,” her target suddenly swung around to face her. His face was immaculately cleaned, his long mustache hanging low, his eyes regarding her with suspicion and superiority. “May I ask why you follow me so?” The crowd’s noise had died down around her suddenly, and Felonca didn’t need to look to know that soldiers were about. “Um... Illustrious Sir,” she added, hoping her ad-lib was close enough to the man’s proper title, “I beg to report that there is someone stirring trouble in the market!” [i]Damn good save, Felonca![/i] “Someone stirring trouble? What is their description?” the prefect raised an eyebrow. She could sense there was distrust in his voice. “Yes... um...” her voice stuttered as her mind raced, “there... is a... um... man. In the market, with a colorful hat,” she jumped quickly, before kicking herself. [i]He helped me! I cannot hurt him![/i] “Um... he knows what the troublemakers look like!” she stumbled awkwardly onward. “He does?” the prefect said, eyebrow still cocked. “Very well. Captain, go see about it!” Felonca felt the crowd part as a few soldiers slipped past, before the prefect gave a slight, mocking bow. “I thank you for the information, Madame. You may go.” He flashed around, and arrogantly began to swish away from her. [i]Now I know why all the townspeople hate him![/i] She hesitated a moment, before bolding deciding to try her luck at robbery again. This time she dashed up behind the prefect, who seemed to not hear her at all. In a flash, her hand had dipped into one of his pockets, and neatly retrieved a few items. Slipping away from her quarry, Felonca then examined her haul. Fourteen gold taels gleamed in her hands. Also, she had extracted three long pieces of wood, upon which were scribed characters. She could tell it was in Common, but she did not recognize or understand many of the words. [i]Scholarly crap,[/i] she growled, before noticing that the edges of each carefully made character was etched in gold. A dark smile crossed her lips. [i]If its etched in gold, its probably worth something... but to who?[/i] Her mind rambled, looking for the name of someone she could ask about this. Invariably, her mind went back to the young man that had helped her. She had seen him go talk to an old woman on the other side of the market... perhaps they could direct her to someone that would like to be an unwitting fence. She dashed off, tucking the three sticks into her pocket, not knowing that they pulsed with magic energy... [/QUOTE]
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